After saying he felt “really good” Wednesday, Andre Burakovsky shed his no-contact jersey and put on a normal sweater for practice Thursday. The Caps’ optional skate marked the first time Burakovsky has fully practiced since being injured April 15 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Burakovsky has missed the Capitals’ last 10 playoff games.
The change in jersey as well as the below video from the Capitals seems to hint that Burakovsky could be available to play as early as Game One of the Eastern Conference Final on Friday in Tampa Bay.
Lookin sharp @andreburakovsky 👌 #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/dIUsAkQEIU
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 10, 2018
“Lookin sharp, @andreburakovsky,” the Caps tweeted.
Wednesday, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz upgraded Burakovsky’s status from week-to-week to day-to-day and said the Swedish winger will travel with the team down to Florida. Thursday marked Burakovsky’s second straight day practicing with his teammates.
Trotz said Backstrom and Burakovsky remain day to day.
Today was Backstrom’s first time back on ice.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) May 10, 2018
Burakovsky’s improving status opens up the possibility that one of the team’s most talented offensive players could be back in the lineup for nearly the entirety of the Eastern Conference Final.
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