When the Washington Capitals’ scratches flashed on the Verizon Center video board before Sunday’s game, there was an audible chatter amongst fans about who was listed: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Jay Beagle, John Carlson and Brooks Orpik all got the night off.
For the Anaheim Ducks, a Pacific Division title was at stake in this regular season finale. For the Capitals, a Presidents’ Trophy has been secured since March, so staying healthy before the playoffs start later this week was the priority. Washington treated this makeup matchup against Anaheim as one last exhibition. Washington lost, 2-0, not that it really matters anyway.