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Finally healthy, Matt Niskanen will play tonight against the Nashville Predators

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The Capitals continue to get healthier. After the team saw Brett Connolly return to the lineup Sunday (concussion), the team’s best defender is back.

Veteran Matt Niskanen will play Tuesday night against the Western Conference Champion Nashville Predators after a thumb injury kept him out since October 13. Niskanen was sidelined for the Capitals’ last 13 games.

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“Sounds like I got the green light to play tonight,” Niskanen said after the morning skate. “Excited to be back. It’s not the best situation to be away from the team. Excited to be back in there and see what I can do.”

Niskanen also revealed he’s never missed an entire month of game action in his career.

“Never,” he said. “First time in my pro career. I think I missed three weeks one time with a cut on my hand, my palm. That’s been my longest one. I’ve been pretty fortunate.”

According to Isabelle Khurshudyan, Niskanen will regain his normal spot on the first pairing alongside Dmitry Orlov.

Niskanen’s return means that every defenseman will be playing on their strong side. The 30-year-old may also see time on the team’s second power-play unit this evening.

Niskanen originally injured his thumb after putting his hand up while bodychecking Jimmy Hayes.

During the Capitals Canine Calendar photoshoot, Niskanen was spotted with a cast on his right thumb.

Photo: Cara Bahniuk

After regaining his conditioning and full motion in his hand, Nisky finally felt okay to return tonight. His return should be a welcome respite for John Carlson who leads all NHL players, through 18 appearances, in time on ice per game (27:20).

Headline photo: @Capitals

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