Caps Morning Skate: Key Updates and Highlights
The Capitals find themselves in the midst of a demanding schedule this January, having played four games in just 115 hours. After a three-day holiday break, the team has kicked off the new year with two victories out of the first three games. Their most recent challenge takes them to Ottawa for a matchup against the Senators, marking the first of 16 games this month.
Caps’ Current Schedule and Performance
The Capitals are heading into this matchup following a strong 6-3 win against the New York Rangers. Yet, they face a rested Senators team that previously had a four-game winning streak, which ended with a close 3-2 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres just before the holiday break.
Prior meetings this season have not been kind to the Capitals. In an earlier encounter on October 25 in Washington, the Caps faced a hefty 7-1 loss to the Senators. The circumstances were similar, as the Capitals were playing their second game in as many nights while the Senators were well-rested.
Upcoming Match Analysis
- The Capitals aim for a strong start to regain momentum against the Senators.
- Coaching staff is focused on improving puck management and defensive strategies to prevent turnovers.
- The Senators, despite their last-place standing in the Atlantic Division, are just five points away from playoff contention.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery emphasized the importance of learning from past performances. He noted that improving execution and pace will be crucial in this matchup against a physically dominant Senators team.
Player Updates and Goaltending Situation
In the goal crease, Logan Thompson is set to take over for the Capitals after Charlie Lindgren’s solid outing against the Rangers. Thompson has enjoyed a successful season thus far, boasting a record of 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 overtime loss in six appearances against the Senators.
Meanwhile, the Senators are without starting goalie Linus Ullmark, who is on personal leave, creating an opportunity for Leevi Merilainen. Merilainen has struggled in recent games, dropping both starts since the break and holding a 3.51 goals-against average for the season.
Projected Lineups
Here’s how the teams might line up for their encounter:
Washington Capitals
- Forwards: Protas, Strome, Ovechkin, McMichael, Sourdif, Wilson, Beauvillier, Dowd, Leonard, Duhaime, Lapierre, Frank
- Defensemen: Fehervary, Carlson, Chychrun, Roy, Sandin, van Riemsdyk
- Goaltenders: Lindgren, Thompson
- Healthy Extras: Milano, Chisholm, McIlrath
- Injured: Dubois (lower body)
Ottawa Senators
- Forwards: Tkachuk, Stützle, Zetterlund, Perron, Cozens, Batherson, Amadio, Pinto, Giroux, MacDermid, Grieg, Cousins
- Defensemen: Sanderson, Zub, Chabot, Spence, Kleven, Matinpalo
- Goalies: Merilainen, Shepard
- Healthy Extras: Jensen, Halliday
- Injured: Ullmark (personal leave), Eller (foot)
The Capitals must remain vigilant against the Senators, who could be motivated to improve their position in the standings. As they continue their busy January, every point is crucial for both teams.
