The Washington Capitals will close out this awful month of January by taking on a familiar friend for the first time. That’s right, the moment we’ve all been waiting for and wondering, how will Braden Holtby perform against his old team?
It’s true, Holtby will get the start tonight against the Caps. The Dallas Stars also honored him after their morning skate for playing in his 500th NHL game in late November. 468 of those games were with the Capitals. Holtby told the media that he caught up with his ex teammates last night and this morning and noted that it felt like no time has passed.
The Dallas Stars also recognized Braden Holtby today for playing in his 500th NHL game in late November.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) January 28, 2022
(468 of those games were with WSH) pic.twitter.com/tIMEMDH8l6
Over on the Caps side of things, the team held an optional skate. Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, and Nicklas Backstrom weren’t on the ice. Nick Jensen did participate as he’s recovering from an upper body injury. Coach Peter Laviolette said that Vitek Vanecek will get the start in goal. The team is also going through some things in the room so there wasn’t really a projected lineup. Laviolette did note, however, that Joe Snively will draw in. Snively was re-assigned to the taxi squad yesterday while Michael Sgarbossa was sent to Hershey.
Tonight marks the first Caps matchup with the Stars since Oct. 12, 2019, a 4-1 win at American Airlines Center. The Caps have earned points in six straight games against Dallas, dating back to Dec. 19, 2017 with a 3-0-3 record.
Ovechkin has recorded 16 points with 10 goals and six assists in 20 career games against the Stars including earning a point in seven of his last 11 games with six goals and five assists. Backstrom has earned 19 points with five goals and 14 assists in 18 career games against the Stars including 15 points in his last 12 games with five goals and 10 assists.
How will the Caps fare against the Holtbeast? Grab your tissues. Here’s how to find out:
Date: Jan. 28, 2022
Time: 9 p.m.
Where: American Airlines Center
What Channel Is The Capitals Game On: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan and Caps Radio 24/7
Betting Odds: The betting odds on WynnBET have the Capitals as +1.5 underdogs on the road against the Stars. The moneyline is set with the Capitals at +105 and the Stars at -125. The over/under for tonight’s game is 5.5.
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