Washington Capitals Practice Update & Audio for Feb. 11: Oates, Ovechkin, Fehr & More

ARLINGTON, VA–The Washington Capitals held one final practice today before they head out on a three-game road trip.  Following the game in Tampa on Thursday, the Caps will come back to Kettler Capitals Iceplex for practice Saturday before ending the three-game trip in New York against the Rangers on Sunday.

Marcus Johansson (upper body, day-to-day) isn’t heading on the Florida portion of the trip and didn’t practice today.  He was a healthy scratch last Saturday, even though Capitals Head Coach Adam Oates said Johansson was injured in the Pittsburgh game last Thursday and the injury has been “bugging” him.

Brooks Laich (groin) practiced today and is going on the road trip, but Oates wasn’t sure if he has been cleared for contact yet.

Braden Holtby (2-4-0, 3.87 GAA, .879 Save pct.) will be back in net after having a 27 save shut out against the Florida Panthers last Saturday.

The Caps had their same lines as they did on Saturday with Brooks Laich working in with the fourth liners.

Capitals center Mathieu Perreault was back in the line-up last Saturday, he had his first goal of the season, and Oates was very impressed with his game.

“He played a very good hockey game, very good hockey game.”

Perreault will be back in the line-up tomorrow night.

Capitals forward Troy Brouwer summed up what they need to do to get back into the playoff mix.

“We can’t let up. We can’t be satisfied with just one game.”

Listen here to what Adam Oates, Alex Ovechkin, Troy Brouwer, Eric Fehr, Jason Chimera & Mathieu Perreault had to say following practice today.

Adam Oates Practice Audio

02-11-13 Adam Oates Practice RAW

Alex Ovechkin Practice Audio

02-11-13 Alex Ovechkin Practice RAW

Troy Brouwer Practice Audio

02-11-13 Troy Brouwer Practice RAW

Eric Fehr Practice Audio

02-11-13 Eric Fehr Practice RAW

Jason Chimera Practice Audio

02-11-13 Jason Chimera Practice RAW

Mathieu Perreault Practice Audio

02-11-13 Mathieu Perreault Practice RAW