Tuesday morning, Capitals forward Andre Burakovsky targeted a return to the lineup next week.
His return is happening much sooner than he anticipated.
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Andre Burakovsky talks about returning to practice and getting ready for tomorrow's game in Tampa. #CapsBolts pic.twitter.com/32TtcY49zo
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 17, 2017
Saturday night in Tampa Bay, Burakovsky will return to the lineup for the first time since breaking his right hand February 9 against Detroit – his 22nd birthday.
“Ehhhhh, worked pretty good,” Burakovsky said Friday after practice. “I can’t really feel [the pain] when I’m shooting. It’s more coming a little bit after. I’m not really thinking about it when I’m shooting. I probably can feel it a little bit, but it’s no problem at all. It’s something I can live with.”
Burakovsky participated fully during drills, reclaiming his normal spot on the third line with Brett Connolly and Lars Eller. He also was added back to the second power play unit. Yesterday after, Burakovsky tested the sturdiness of his hand in mock game situations.
“No problem at all,” Burakovsky said. “I did some battle drills yesterday with Schmidty and Chorns. I felt great. I used my hand to protect myself and it worked out fine. It feels good.”
.@andreburakovsky back in full with the boys today pic.twitter.com/leE0sslDt1
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 17, 2017
To accommodate Burakovsky’s move back onto the roster, the Washington Capitals optioned Jakub Vrana to the Hershey Bears.
