The big news of the day at Kettler Iceplex was the NHL All-Star selections of Caps defenseman Dennis Wideman and Alex Ovechkin. Otherwise, a handful of players, including Marcus Johansson and Alex Semin, took part in an optional skate. Washington played the Penguins on Wednesday night and has a game Friday against Tampa Bay and another Sunday against Carolina. This is a busy stretch.
No update on center Nicklas Backstrom, still suffering concussion symptoms after last week’s Rene Bourque elbow, or defenseman Mike Green, who reinjured his groin in San Jose last Saturday. Caps coach Dale Hunter said Green is still building strength back in the muscle. No word on if he could take part in the morning skate tomorrow or another likely optional practice on Saturday. Seems unlikely at this point.
Recommended Stories
You have to think Backstrom’s health contributed to his exclusion from the NHL All-Star team. The 24-year-old has 42 points in 38 games – that ranks 15th overall in the NHL – but has missed the past three contests. Both players remain listed as day-to-day with no specific timeline on a return to action.
“That’s how it is. What’s he at right then, and the league knows what happened with the elbow,” Hunter said. “Everybody wants to go to the All-Star game. It’s a great honor. Unfortunately, he’s hurt right now and we’ll have to wait and see how he is [Friday].”
Any regrets taking a player on a pair of cross-country flights when he didn’t even play in a game? Not from the Caps’ perspective. Backstrom was with the team in San Jose and Los Angeles last week, but did not play and returned home early.
“We’ve been seeing what’s happening. We’re very cautious now,” Hunter said. “You see injuries, and you’ve got to be more careful. We’re all being very cautious with Nick and he’s basically day-to-day…[In California] he’s with the team and our staff was all there, so it’s perfect for him.”
Follow me on Twitter @bmcnally14
