Andre Burakovsky is on the mend, and he may actually get back in a game this weekend.
The Swedish forward returned to Capitals practice Wednesday – the team’s first skate since defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round. Burakovsky wore a blue non-contact jersey but afterwards told Tarik El-Bashir that “I feel really good.”
Head coach Barry Trotz proceeded to upgrade Burakovsky’s status from week-to-week to day-to-day. Burakovsky will travel with the team to Tampa Bay for Games One and Two.
Coach Trotz announces @andreburakovsky has gone from week-to-week to day-to-day and he will be traveling to Tampa. #ALLCAPS #CapsBolts pic.twitter.com/5JwQ0o8nN4
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 9, 2018
During practice, Burakovsky stick-handled and shot pucks. That’s a very positive development because Burra was unable to do so five days ago when he first returned to the ice.
As you can see, Burakovsky is handling pucks and shooting. That’s a recent development. #Caps #CapsBolts pic.twitter.com/1Nz9ZVvdri
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) May 9, 2018
On NBC Sports Washington’s coverage of practice, El-Bashir termed Burakovsky’s chances of playing in Tampa as “pretty good.”
Burakovsky was first injured in the first round after an awkward hit into the boards.
In mid-April, it was determined that Burakovsky needed a minor surgery to repair his injury.
Cap coach Barry Trotz said Andre Burakovsky (upper body) is out for remainder of series vs. Columbus and needs minor surgery.
Said it’s possible Burakovsky returns later in playoffs should Caps advance.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 20, 2018
Since then, Burakovsky’s biggest contribution to the team has been that of a cheerleader. The forward has shown his support from the stands uploading Instagram Story videos before games.
So while one Swedish forward’s prognosis is uncertain, another’s is rapidly improving.
Headline photo: @Capitals
