The Caps and Islanders tomorrow night faceoff in Game 1. The Caps went 2-0-2 against the Islanders this season and won both meetings at the Verizon Center. Here is what the lineup should look like in Game 1 based on the last two days of practice.
Forwards:
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Ward
Johansson-Backstrom-Brouwer
Laich-Fehr-Beagle
Glencross-Latta-Chimera
Defense and Goalies:
Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Gleason-Green
Holtby
Peters
Other Notes:
*Eric Fehr and Jay Beagle look to be making their return to the Caps lineup at the right time. These two have be very important two way forwards all season. Both have also had career years.
*Braden Holtby will be in the pipes against for Caps Jaro Halak. Holtby looks to carry the Caps in the playoffs like he did in the regular season.
*Barry Trotz is going to keep Joel Ward and Evgeny Kuznetsov with Alex Ovechkin to start the series. Kuznetsov ended the regular season hot and will make his playoff debut.
*Tom Wilson is getting better but it looks like he will be out of the lineup in Game 1 with some other guys getting back.
*One key is the Caps have to come out with energy tomorrow but the right energy. The can't take penalties on hits, and turn pucks over because they are not focused. They have to come out and get pucks deep in the Islanders zone and cycle the puck.
*On the Powerplay it is important to score, but against the Islanders you have to be aware of what they do shorthanded. Especially Michal Grabner. The point men have to make sure they keep an eye on him and don't fumble pucks at the blue line.
*Overall this will be a tough game, it's going to be a battle to get to four wins. We will see if the boys can play the style Barry Trotz wants, and the style we saw flashes of at points during the regular season.
Gametime 7:00 p.m on USA, CSN
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