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.
Guess who's back? Nisky's back! #CapsPreds #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Ps7HauwbcW
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 14, 2017
“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.
Greetings from morning skate in Nashville!
Stephenson-Backstrom-Oshie
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-DSP
Vrana-Eller-Wilson
Connolly-Beagle-ChiassonDjoos-Carlson
Orpik-Bowey
Orlov-Niskanen (!!!)Holtby in the starter's net.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) November 14, 2017
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 back on the second power play unit, replacing Djoos there.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) November 14, 2017
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).
After playing at least 27:28 in each of #Caps last 4 games, including 29:18 vs Boston, John Carlson now leads NHL in TOI at 27:12.. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/fnlGInfhLA
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinNBCS) November 6, 2017
Headline photo: @Capitals
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