The Caps just finished up practice here at K-Plex and will be heading back to Philly one more time shortly. It was an optional skate, and a lot of the usual suspects took the day off. Even guys like Brooks Laich, who tend to linger on the ice, were off pretty quickly.

"[A few of us] went out for supper after the game yesterday and we were just sitting there thinkin if we didn't win today we'd be going home right now," Laich said. "Our season would be over, and it is way too early. I love Saskatchewan, I love my home. But I'm not ready to go back there yet."

A lot was made through the first four games about the lack of impact from Alex Ovechkin. Well, he had five points in those games (although there were a couple of power-play assists in there that didn't require much effort). Then he is held off the scoresheet last night, but in reality it was probably his best game of the series.

"He was on for all three goals. He was part of it for two of them, but didn't get any points," Bruce Boudreau said. "He created the penalty to get the 5-on-3 goal. He played well. Those people who expect him to get two goals every game and it doesn't always happen. He can contribute in other ways."

Chris Clark skated again, but said he feels the same. Jeff Schultz skated, but needs some serious improvement by tomorrow morning if he were going to play. If he were ready, which defenseman comes out the lineup? It would be interesting to see. Last night's ice times for the 'D' were a little surprising. Mike Green and Tom Poti got their usual run, but John Erskine was third with more than 17 minutes and Steve Eminger was fourth, although Eminger, Shaone Morrisonn and Milan Jurcina were within seconds of each other. I am not alone in thinking that Eminger has earned the right to stay in the lineup, much like Eric Fehr has.

- Corey Masisak