On Friday, the Washington Capitals conducted their first practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex following their team-building events in Columbus. They are scheduled to play their final preseason game against the Boston Bruins on Saturday evening at Capital One Arena.
Friday’s practice served as one of head coach Spencer Carbery’s last thorough assessments of his lineup ahead of the Capitals’ final roster decisions, which are due by 5 pm on Monday. The majority of line combinations and defensive pairings he utilized have remained consistent throughout Training Camp, with players on the roster’s periphery forming the fifth line and additional defensive pairing.
Lines
Ovechkin
Strome
Mangiapane
Vrana/Miroshnichenko
Sgarbossa
Cristall
Extras: Ethan Bear
Washington placed Ethan Bear and Mike Sgarbossa on waivers after the skate. The moves reduce the Capitals’ roster to 26 active players, necessitating just three more cuts before Opening Night. Goaltender Hunter Shepard will likely be one of those cuts.
Carbery could not say if the players battling for those final roster spots, Jakub Vrana, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Andrew Cristall, Alex Alexeyev, and Dylan McIlrath, will be in the team’s lineup against Boston.
“We’ll discuss it as a staff this afternoon, but I imagine you’ll probably see majority of our regulars play tomorrow night,” Carbery said, adding later, “There is a chance [the players still competing for a spot play], but I’m not committal to it at this point.”
Cristall’s camp has been the most surprising of any player still left in the running. At the beginning of the preseason, the 19-year-old seemed like a sure bet to return to the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. Since then, he has recorded a point in all three preseason games he’s played in, tying for the team lead in scoring.
Carbery recently admitted that the Capitals were seriously considering Cristall’s inclusion on their roster. Due to the NHL-CHL transfer agreement, the 2023 second-round draft selection can only play in the NHL or return to the WHL this season. He can’t play in the AHL until Kelowna’s season ends.
“Whatever it is, practice, the games, I’m just trying to go out there and make a good impression and put my best foot forward to give myself the best opportunity to stay here,” Cristall said Friday. “It’s awesome to be here with all of the guys and everyone. It’s a super cool opportunity and something I’m not taking for granted, so it’s been a lot of fun.”
Vrana is the lone player among the five without a guaranteed contract for the 2024-25 campaign. He is still at camp on a professional tryout basis. The 28-year-old winger has seen the third most ice time of any Capitals forward during the preseason (57:01) and leads the team in shots on goal (11), individual shot attempts (18), and individual scoring chances (12).
In his four games, he recorded two points (1g, 1a) and also drew a penalty. Carbery was impressed by his speed and ability to think the game offensively.
“That’s my strong side,” Vrana said. “I create a lot of chances. I did that, some of them, they go in. two-way game, I felt really good as well. I settle pretty quick with the system as well, but we’ll see how it goes. Like I said before, just come in here every day and do my best, and we’ll see where it takes me.”
On defense, if the Capitals’ top brass decides to carry eight defensemen on their roster, both Alexeyev and McIlrath may still make the club’s roster to start the year. They’ve gotten far longer a look at Alexeyev, as the Russian defender has played the most minutes, 75:45, of any Capitals player this preseason.
However, Carbery has been more vocal about McIlrath’s positive play in the two games the rugged rearguard has featured in. The second-year bench boss also commended McIlrath’s physical presence on the ice and as a leader in the locker room. The 32-year-old defenseman serves as the Hershey Bears’ captain in the AHL.
“I’m just really excited,” McIlrath said. “I’m trying to stay in the moment and really just think about how fortunate I am to be here. It’s been a long time coming to put myself in this kinda situation to be one of the last cuts. I’m just really excited to be here.”
After the game against the Bruins, the Capitals will have a week before puck drop against the New Jersey Devils on October 12. Carbery is not a fan of how long his team has to wait to get going for real, so to change things up, he has them practicing at Capital One Arena twice to start next week.
“I think it just leads to a lot of build-up and a long week of where guys just want to start to play and don’t want to hear me talk or go practice anymore,” Carbery said. “So, I’ve tried to break the week up next week and do a couple different things of going down to Capital One to change the environment, do something different.
“And then we’ll split the week up with the day off in between on Wednesday and then come back and try to make Thursday and Friday as business as usual. Like two days prep, game, here we go.”
Capitals Conclude Team-Building with Final Preseason Preparations Ahead of Bruins Matchup
Overview of Preseason Preparations
As the Washington Capitals gear up for their highly anticipated matchup against the Boston Bruins, the focus shifts to the final stages of preseason preparations. After a rigorous training camp and several exhibition games, the Capitals are looking to solidify their lineup and strategies before the regular season kicks off.
Key Aspects of Preseason Camp
The Capitals’ preseason camp has been crucial for several reasons:
- Player Evaluations: Coaches are closely monitoring performances to finalize the roster.
- Team Chemistry: Building rapport among players is essential for a cohesive unit on the ice.
- Tactical Adjustments: Implementing new strategies tailored to the strengths of the current roster.
Player Evaluations and Roster Decisions
With the regular season looming, the coaching staff has been working diligently to evaluate each player’s performance in practice and games. Key players to watch include:
- Alex Ovechkin: The team captain remains a pivotal figure with his leadership and scoring ability.
- Evgeny Kuznetsov: His playmaking skills are essential for the team’s offensive strategies.
- Young Prospects: Players like Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre are aiming to secure their spots on the roster.
Statistics and Performance Metrics
To make informed decisions, the coaching staff analyzes various performance metrics. Here is an example of how some key players are performing in the preseason:
| Player | Goals | Assists | Points</th | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Ovechkin | 3 | 2 | 5 | +3 |
| Evgeny Kuznetsov | 2 | 4 | 6 | +2 |
| Connor McMichael | 1 | 1 | 2 | +1 |
Building Team Chemistry
One of the most critical elements of the Capitals’ preseason is fostering team chemistry. The Capitals have organized various team-building activities outside the rink to promote camaraderie. These activities include:
- Group Outings: Fun events such as bowling nights and team dinners.
- Community Service: Engaging with local charities helps players bond while giving back.
- On-Ice Drills: Focused practice sessions that emphasize teamwork and communication.
Tactical Preparations for the Bruins
As the Capitals prepare to face the Bruins, strategic adjustments are paramount. Key tactical focuses include:
- Defensive Structure: Strengthening the defensive zone coverage to counter Boston’s offensive threats.
- Power Play Efficiency: Enhancing power play strategies, given Boston’s strong penalty kill record.
- Faceoff Strategy: Capitalizing on faceoff opportunities to control puck possession from the start.
Recent Matchup Insights
Reviewing past encounters with the Bruins offers valuable insights into potential strategies. The Capitals have faced the Bruins several times in the previous season, and their record highlights the competitive nature of these matchups:
| Date | Location | Result | Goals by Capitals | Goals by Bruins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2023 | Washington | Win (4-2) | Ovechkin (2) | Marchand (1) |
| April 2, 2023 | Boston | Loss (3-1) | Kuznetsov (1) | Bergeron (2) |
Health and Injury Updates
Staying healthy is crucial as the team approaches the Bruins game. Currently, the Capitals are monitoring a few player injuries:
- Tom Wilson: Recovering from offseason surgery, his status for the opener is still uncertain.
- Nicklas Backstrom: Continues to work on his rehabilitation, with expectations to return soon.
- Other Minor Injuries: Players are being assessed daily to ensure full fitness before the regular season.
Fan Engagement and Anticipation
As the Capitals prepare to face the Bruins, fan engagement is at an all-time high. Social media platforms are buzzing with excitement, and ticket sales for the game are selling out quickly. Here are some ways fans can stay engaged:
- Social Media Contests: Participating in giveaways and contests to win game tickets.
- Live Q&As: Following players and coaches on social media for updates and live interactions.
- Game Day Events: Join pre-game festivities at Capital One Arena to enjoy the atmosphere.
Final Thoughts on the Bruins Matchup
The upcoming matchup against the Boston Bruins represents more than just a game; it’s a chance for the Washington Capitals to showcase their hard work and preparation. With a well-rounded approach to player evaluations, team chemistry, and tactical strategies, the Capitals are set to make a strong impression as they head into the new season.
