Caps forward Andre Burakovsky is inching closer to a return after breaking his hand in February.

Tuesday, after the Caps morning skate, Burakovsky said to reporters that he hopes to play in a game next week.

Burakovsky (broken hand) says he hopes to return to the #Caps' lineup next week but won't rush it. #CapsWild

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 14, 2017

The Capitals play three times next week: Calgary on Tuesday, Columbus on Thursday, and Arizona on Saturday.

Burakovsky got some extra work in with Lane Lambert and Blaine Forsythe after skating with the full team during practice.

Burakovsky, who was on the ice during the morning skate, is getting in some extra work with assistants Lambert and Forsythe. pic.twitter.com/8xO8gIP42Q

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 14, 2017

While Burakovsky had more zing on his wrist shot today, he still does not feel at full strength.

Burakovsky says shooting hard/stickhandling with his right hand still is a bit uncomfortable. But there's daily progress. #CapsWild

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) March 14, 2017

“Some days it feels a lot better,” Burakovsky said. “Some days it don’t.”

Burakovsky originally broke his hand on February 9th after awkwardly blocking a point shot.

The next day Trotz confirmed Burakovsky would miss a significant amount of time.

“Obviously it’s a hand injury,” Trotz said. “He’s going to be out until probably mid to the later part of March. No surgery. He’ll have plenty of games to get back.”

Burakovsky appears likely to hit Trotz’s original target date, which is great news.

Losers of four straight, the Caps could use all the help they can get.

Caps Forward Andre Burakovsky gives an update on his hand injury. pic.twitter.com/quX0rqB1Ys

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 14, 2017