The best thing about five or six – or maybe even seven – days off? Rest for the wounded. The Caps are waiting on the return of right wing Mike Knuble (undisclosed) and defenseman Dennis Wideman (right leg hematoma). Both skated before an optional practice at Kettler Iceplex on Monday morning.
It was the first time Wideman has skated in full pads since his injury on March 29. Looked pretty good, to be honest. Was taking feeds from Knuble and strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish and firing shots on an empty net. Skated pretty hard and even finished his workout with a flourish, sliding across the ice on his belly when the drills were complete. But Wideman obviously needs a few hard practices with his teammates before returning to the lineup. He hopes to get that chance later this week.
Knuble – believed to have a right hand injury – and Wideman remained on the ice for the optional skate with their teammates for at least a few minutes. Without any actual games – or an opponent for that matter – on the horizon there was no update on either player’s status. Will have a better idea on Knuble when the Caps hold a full practice on Tuesday.
“None right now,” Washington coach Bruce Boudreau said. “It’s just good to see them out there skating in full gear and participating with the team. But we haven’t set a timetable yet.”
That remains true for defenseman Mike Green, who took a puck off the head while blocking a shot in Saturday’s series-clinching 3-1 win over New York. Green appeared at practice briefly to chat with his teammates from the bench wearing the thick, black glasses he’s been sporting for a few weeks now. Boudreau pronounced him “fine”. But again, we’ll know more if he skates at practice on Tuesday.
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