ARLINGTON, VA–The Capitals held their final full practice today as they prepare for the Tampa Bay Lightning tomorrow.
Capitals Head Coach Adam Oates said that all 23 players who practiced today will be on the trip to Tampa. He also said they haven’t decided what to do with the one guy who didn’t practice today, Brooks Laich. Laich could be suspended for getting hurt while playing overseas or be put on injured reserve. They have until 5:00 pm today to decide what to do with him.
Oates did confirm that Braden Holtby will start tomorrow.
Tom Poti hasn’t been told if he’ll play tomorrow, but Oates said he could and he is traveling to Tampa.
Caps had their same forward lines today and their third defensive pairing is between Tom Poti, Jack Hillen, Jeff Schultz & John Erskine. Two of them will be healthy scratches tomorrow. It looks like the final forward spot to play tomorrow is between Eric Fehr & Joey Crabb, one of those guys will be a healthy scratch.
Listen here to what Adam Oates, Tom Poti, Troy Brouwer, Karl Alzner & Jason Chimera had to say today following practice.
Adam Oates Practice Audio
01-18-13 Adam Oates Practice RAW
Tom Poti Practice Audio
01-18-13 Tom Poti Practice RAW
Troy Brouwer Practice Audio
01-18-13 Troy Brouwer Practice RAW
Karl Alzner Practice Audio
01-18-13 Karl Alzner Practice RAW
Jason Chimera Practice Audio