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The Washington Capitals returned to the ice Tuesday at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex for training camp practice after a day off. In practice, head coach Peter Laviolette continued to experiment with lineups and new combinations.
That flirtation led to the Caps’ 2019 first-round pick. Connor McMichael Skating as the thirteenth or so forward of the team. McMichael had his preseason practice against the Buffalo Sabers on Sunday.
After Monday’s holiday, here’s how to do it #Cap Lined up for Tuesday’s practice:
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Brown
Sherry-or-Oshie
Manta-Strom-Protas
Johansson-Dowd-Hathaway
McMichaelFehervary-Carlson
Orlov-Jensen
Gustafson-TVR
Irwin-IorioKumper
Lindgren– Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_El-Bashir) September 27, 2022
McMichael, 21, had no points, but played a total of 15:55 of ice time with Buffalo, lining up five-on-five between Anthony Manta and Alex Suzdelev. He had opportunities on the power play and free kick and finished the game as the team leader in individual shot attempts (six), field goals (five) and career highs (three).
The young forward, Five kilograms of muscle mass this summerHe’s in a camp battle for the Caps’ second-line center role with several veteran players like Dylan Strome and Lars Eller. He In the first season, he was vocal in the interviews About being in the center of nature and wanting to play there.
“(Center) is where I want to play,” McMichael He said on Saturday.. “I’m looking to make sure I’m there.
“I think it’s really healthy to fight with guys for certain spots on the ice,” he continued. “We have brought in a lot of good players this year and there are a lot of places up for grabs. I want to be the middle man, it’s my natural position. I am looking to do this and I am working hard on those who oppose me.
Laviolette spoke bluntly at the opening camp presser about what to expect from McMichael in camp. If he wants to make the roster again and receive more ice time, he needs to get it.
“We’re going to look at him (McMichael) in camp to get more out of this year and get more,” Laviolette said. “Training camp is here. Make some noise, get something. That goes for Lapierre, that goes for Conor McMichaels, that goes for Strome. Push yourself to the lineup, get more, get more.”
It’s important to note that McMichael is the only member who finished last season with free agent status. So, the Capitals can get back from Hershey without having to worry about another team claiming him if they deem it necessary.
Another player who is definitely still a free agent is defenseman Vincent Iori. The 19-year-old linebacker is looking to make his debut this season and was another significant addition to Tuesday’s line rush.
Iorio has had a very successful preseason start with the Sabers with Martin Fehervary as his partner. The 2021 second-round draft pick went 16-11 on the ice in five-on-five (17:03). to 1.
Main photo: Elizabeth Kong/RMNB
