The Washington Capitals returned home following their 2-1 loss against the New York Rangers and the day off on Monday. The Capitals will take on the Anaheim Ducks to begin the second half of the season. Here is what you need to know from Tuesday’s morning skate.
Alex Ovechkin took to the ice after missing the last two games due to a lower-body injury. Ovechkin will once again be a game-time decision according to Caps head coach Spencer Carbery. The Capitals captain did not take any line rushes or work on the power play unit.
Alex Alexeyev will be back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch for 24 consecutive games. He will replace Trevor van Riemsdyk who took part in the scratches’ skate.
Meanwhile, Rasmus Sandin, Sonny Milano, Matthew Phillips and Charlie Lindgren were participating in the scratches’ skate. Milano and Sandin were in non-contact jerseys.
Darcy Kuemper will get the start in goal after Lindgren played in both games against the Rangers.
The Capitals host the Anaheim Ducks tonight at Capital One Arena for the second and final meeting between the teams this season. In their first meeting on Nov. 30 in Anaheim, Tom Wilson recorded his first career hat trick in his 700th NHL game to propel Washington to a 5-4 win. The Capitals are 5-1-1 in their last seven games against the Ducks dating back to the 2019-20 season. [More here.]
Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.
By Jacob Cheris