Washington Capitals News: Previewing Penguins

Mar 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie (77) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie (77) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Check out the latest Washington Capitals news as the Caps prepare for their second round date with the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

On Tuesday, the Washington Capitals had their first day of practice since ending their first round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. It wasn’t a slow news day though, as various things happened during the practice. Lars Eller’s absence gave everyone a brief scare before it became known a maintenance day was the cause. Alex Ovechkin and Nate Schmidt both left practice a bit early, with the former not returning. However, an equipment issue turned out to be the reason. Tom Wilson took a slap shot off his skate, but Barry Trotz says he should be fine.

As Thursday draws near, the Capitals are preparing for their second round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here are today’s array of links about the Caps and from around the NHL.

More from Stars and Sticks

Capitals News

  • The Caps are preparing for the Penguins. (ESPN, Stars And Sticks, The Hockey News)
  • This series shouldn’t be happening in the second round, but you do you NHL. (Pensburgh)
  • Karl Alzner isn’t sure if he’ll play at all against the Penguins. (Washington Post)
  • Facing the Maple Leafs in round one could help prepare the Capitals for the Pens. (Washington Post)
  • Owning the crease will be important for Pittsburgh if they want to win the series. (Pittsburgh Tribune)

NHL News

  • The Vancouver Canucks are expected to hire Travis Green as their next head coach. (FanSided)
  • Braden Holtby is on the updated list of Conn Smythe candidates. (FanSided)
  • Eric Staal suffered a concussion when he crashed into the boards. (Fox Sports)
  • Zdeno Chara wants to keep playing for the Bruins even after his current contract ends. (NHL.com)
  • The Dallas Stars most recent season is proof there is no tomorrow in the NHL. (Blackout Dallas)
  • Some second round predictions from our friends in the midwest. (Mile High Sticking)