Michal Kempny, who has been out injured since March of last season, will make his grand return to the lineup Friday night against the New York Rangers.
The Capitals defenseman skated on the third pairing with Radko Gudas during the morning skate.
#Caps lines:
Ovechkin – Backstrom – Oshie
Hagelin – Kuznetsov – Wilson
Vrana – Eller – Hathaway
Leipsic – Dowd – Stephenson
Siegenthaler – Carlson
Orlov – Jensen
Kempny – Gudas— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) October 18, 2019
Neither of the Capitals call-ups this morning, Martin Fehervary or Travis Boyd, will get a jersey against the Rangers while Nic Dowd will draw back into the lineup. Chandler Stephenson will replace Richard Panik on the fourth line. Panik was put on long term injured reserve Friday morning.
But the major news is Kempny.
Capitals coach Todd Reirden says Kempny starting on third pair to “ease him back into things.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) October 18, 2019
The Czech blueliner has missed over six months of time with a torn left hamstring. Kempny eyed a return for the first game of the season, but the Capitals were cautious bringing him back, only wanting him to play until he was 100 percent.
“[We’ll] continue to take every day as it kind of plays itself out,” Reirden said recently. “He’s getting lots of action in practice now, full speed battle drills. As he reacts positively, he gets closer and closer to getting back to our lineup.”
Reirden says he is hopeful Kempny will return Friday. There has been no set back, they are just being cautious and want to make sure the best decision for the player is made.
— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) October 15, 2019
“It’s been long time. I’m very excited. Ready to go,” Kempny said, adding there have been a lot of “hard days” mentally waiting to get back. “I would like to say big thank you for all the people who helped me and support me all the way here. Especially Mike Booi. Best in the league.”
Michal Kempny announces he will be making his season debut tonight #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ZPxjKJypug
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 18, 2019
Meanwhile, Braden Holtby will start in goal. Tonight will mark the Holtbeast’s first game since giving up three goals on three shots against the Colorado Avalanche. Ilya Samsonov started against the Toronto Maple Leafs, earning his third win in four games.
Holtby will face Henrik Lundqvist in net.
Braden Holtby expected to start in goal for Caps tonight vs. Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist for NY.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) October 18, 2019
