The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes will face off in a pivotal Game 5 Saturday night at Capital One Arena. After jumping to a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven first-round series, the Capitals were blown out 5-0 in Game 3, and clipped 2-1 in Game 4 as the Hurricanes evened the series at 2-2.
As the series shifts back to DC a lot happened in the two games in Raleigh. Hurricanes lost Andrei Svechnikov to an apparent injury after he was laid out by Alex Ovechkin in a fight. And then the Capitals lost TJ Oshie for “quite some time” after he crashed into the boards from a boarding hit by Hurricanes forward Warren Foegele.
1. Warren Foegele Evades Discipline for Hit on TJ Oshie
Foegele won’t be suspended or face any discipline for his role in Oshie’s injury. Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell confirmed there will be no hearing or supplemental discipline for Foegele, per Luke DeCock of the News & Observer.
Oshie “won’t be playing anytime soon” according to head coach Todd Reirden. Foegele was accessed a two-minute minor for boarding as a result of the hit.
2. Capitals Call-up Devante Smith-Pelly
Embed from Getty ImagesAs a result of losing Oshie, the Capitals recalled forward Devante Smith-Pelly from the Hershey Bears.
Smith-Pelly had 14 points in 20 games with the Bears, as he was re-assigned to Hershey in February after struggling with eight points in 54 games.
Smith-Pelly has become a fan favorite of Capitals fans, as his hustle play and energy was the catalyst for the Capitals’ first-ever Stanley Cup title a year ago. Smith-Pelly scored three goals in three games in their series win over Vegas and was huge in the previous rounds.
Smith-Pelly won’t bring the offense that Oshie has — 54 points in 69 regular season games this season — but he allows the Capitals to play a well-experienced player forward in their rotation. It will be interesting to see how head coach Todd Reirden shakes up the lines with the addition of Smith-Pelly and the absence of Oshie.
3. Ovechkin: ‘I’ve Never Been Hungover’
Ovechkin recently had an interview with Roger Bennett of NBC Sports, where he claimed, “I’ve never been hungover.”
Ovechkin also went over his first shift, first hit, and first goal in his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also went over his celebration after winning his first Stanley Cup.
4. Ovechkin Makes Baby Sergei Laugh
Meanwhile, Ovechkin was enjoying family time with his son Sergei during his downtime before Saturday’s Game 5
5. John Carlson Autographs Final Piece to Caps Fan’s Tattoo Sleeve
NBC Sports Washington highlights final piece to a Capitals fan’s tattoo sleeve, the signature of defenseman John Carlson.
Leah Carey of Maryland recently shared images of her father’s tattoo sleeve, showcasing his fandom for the Capitals. He had one finishing touch to complete the fabulous artwork.
John Carlson is credited with the final assist, as his signature was the last thing Carey’s father needed to complete the tattoo collection. He finally got the signature when Carlson took the time to autograph his arm after a recent practice. Carey then got it tattooed the following day.
