Heading Deeper into the Journey – Nearly a week has passed on their nine-day western road trip, and the Caps had the chance to soak up some Vancouver sunshine on their day off this past Friday. Now, they’re gearing up for action tonight against the Canucks at Rogers Arena. The beginning of their trip saw them playing three games in just four days, and now, with only two games left before they head home on Tuesday, they’re ready to face off in Vancouver tonight. Come Wednesday, they’ll start a four-game stretch at home, kicking off against Toronto.
Last month, the Caps squared off against the Canucks on their own turf, delivering a performance strong enough to secure a win. However, they had to settle for a 3-2 overtime defeat, despite never falling behind during the game.
Caps’ coach Spencer Carbery reflected on the match, noting its high competitiveness, especially considering it was a back-to-back afternoon game for both teams. He praised his team’s efforts and acknowledged the challenges posed by the Canucks’ aggressive forechecking and offensive strategies, particularly from their top players. Carbery emphasized the clear game plan visible in the Canucks’ play, from their forechecking to their quick transitions and offensive zone tactics.
Tonight’s clash marks the third this week against a Western Conference team with eyes on the Stanley Cup this spring. Unfortunately, the Caps fell short in their previous two encounters against Winnipeg and Edmonton, failing to take the lead at any point and constantly playing catch-up.
Reflecting on last month’s home game against Vancouver, scoring early helped the Caps maintain a lead for a significant portion of the match, a strategy that also contributed to their recent victory over the Kraken in Seattle.
Caps’ center Nic Dowd highlighted the difficulty of playing from behind, noting the psychological advantage of leading. He explained how a lead forces the opposing team to take more risks, adding pressure across the board. Dowd praised the veteran presence in the Caps’ locker room for their ability to rally from behind, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus, regardless of the score.
The Grand Milestone – Just two nights after scoring his 301st career goal, Caps’ right wing T.J. Oshie is on the brink of a significant milestone: playing his 1,000th NHL game, which could occur tonight in Vancouver against the Canucks. However, a minor hiccup occurred during Saturday’s morning skate, with Oshie leaving the ice early due to an upper body injury, making his participation in tonight’s game uncertain.
Coach Carbery shared that Oshie’s status would be a game-time decision. Given Oshie’s determination, having played through numerous challenges in his career, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him hit the ice for this milestone game.
Homecoming – For Coach Carbery, returning to his birthplace of Victoria, B.C., as an NHL head coach feels special. He shared his excitement about being back, recalling his first NHL game experience and his deep-rooted connection to the area. Carbery also reminisced about his favorite Canucks players, highlighting the province-wide support for the team.
In The Nets – Tonight, Lindgren will guard the net for Washington, marking his 11th start in the team’s last 13 games. His recent performances have been solid, and tonight will be his first time facing the Canucks.
On the other side, Vancouver will rely on Casey DeSmith, stepping in due to Thatcher Demko’s injury. DeSmith is set to carry the bulk of the goaltending duties in Demko’s absence, bringing his season and lifetime stats against the Capitals into tonight’s game.
All Lined Up – Here’s a look at how the Caps and the Canucks are expected to line up for tonight’s game in Vancouver, detailing the forward, defensemen, and goaltender setups for both teams, along with noting the injured and scratched players.