Caps have completed their morning skate at Kettler Iceplex and are off resting for tonight’s start of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Caught up with injured Mike Knuble (undisclosed) and Dennis Wideman (right leg hematoma) as they continue the recovery process. Both took part in the post-skate workout this morning, another good sign for two players who hope to return at some point during this series. They just won’t tell us when.
“I think that’s very realistic. When that’s going to be I don’t know,” Knuble said when asked if he expected to play against Tampa Bay. “There are a lot of factors. And so it kind of depends how everything is going. If they keep winning you don’t want to upset the boat. But at the same time I’m anxious to get back in. I’ll get back in as soon as I can. It’s tough to watch, but at the same time it’s fun to watch.”
Wideman said his range-of-motion is good. It is his conditioning – he hasn’t played since March 29 – and the power in his leg that still needs work. Bruce Boudreau said he wants Wideman to get a couple of practices in with his teammates first. But that might be tough with back-to-back games set for Tampa Bay on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“I think the tempo’s definitely a bit higher,” Wideman said. “It’s probably a little bit harder to come back in the playoffs maybe than it is in the middle of December or January. But you know, just got to be ready and when I do get back – play smart.”
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