Fedorov, Huet on board for Caps

Matt Cooke, the other trade acquisition from Tuesday’s NHL deadline deals, still must work out visa issues and will meet the Caps in Newark, N.J., for Friday’s game with the New Jersey Devils.

Caps coach Bruce Boudreau wasn’t ready to pronounce any line combinations or say if Huet would start in goal against the Devils. But it seems likely that Fedorov will center the second line next to left wing Alexander Semin. Cooke is unlikely to play Friday even if he reaches New Jersey in time.

“I can put together more combinations than a Sudoku book,” Boudreau said of his revamped roster.

Fedorov no longer resembles the Hart Trophy winner of the mid-90s, a two-way force who helped the Detroit Red Wings to three Stanley Cups. He had just nine goals and 19 assists with the Columbus Blue Jackets. But the six-time All-Star brings some stability to a spot the Caps have had trouble filling since Michael Nylander was lost for the year after shoulder surgery last month. And few players in the NHL have more playoff experience than the 38-year-old Fedorov.

“In a team sport like hockey there are no small details,” said Fedorov, who hasn’t skated since Saturday because of a charley horse in his left leg and recently missed 13 games with concussion symptoms. “It’s a daily routine and all the small details help on the ice. That’s how I understand championships are won.”

Boudreau wouldn’t directly address the issues inherent in having three goaltenders — including incumbent Olie Kolzig and back-up Brent Johnson — on the roster at the same time. But he insisted the organization had a plan ready. Both Kolzig and Huet are unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.

“[Tuesday] was a long day for me,” said Huet, who played one season in the AHL at Manchester under Boudreau. “Lots of messages and calls. But I’m just waiting to get the skates on. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most right now.”