The Washington Capitals hit the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Saturday for their third consecutive day of practice before Game One of their first-round series against the New York Rangers.
Rasmus Sandin and Nick Jensen joined the team for the first time since suffering their respective upper-body injuries. The two defensemen donned light blue, non-contact sweaters as they continued to work their way back into the lineup.
“Trending in the right direction,” head coach Spencer Carbery said of the defenders. “Both practiced today and were a part of essentially everything we did on the ice. So, that’s a good step.”
The rookie bench boss also confirmed that both players will make the trip up to New York and are still options to dress for Game One. The Capitals will carry nine total defensemen on the road so they have cover if one or both aren’t ready to return to game action.
Rasmus Sandin and Nick Jensen are both participating in practice in no-contact jerseys this morning. A positive sign for both. pic.twitter.com/ko7Ww2lnoc
— Katie Adler (@katieEadler) April 20, 2024
Sandin has been out of the team’s lineup since April 7 when he suffered a reported head injury against the Ottawa Senators. The injury saw him miss the final five games of the regular season.
Jensen’s skate on Thursday was his first since being stretchered off the ice against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 13. He missed the final two games of the season.
Neither player was involved in the team’s line rushes on Friday. The defense pairs looked like the following.
The Capitals do not have a morning skate scheduled ahead of Game One’s afternoon start time. Saturday’s practice is the last time the team will get on the ice before the series kicks off.
Puck drop is set for 3 pm so both Sandin and Jensen will likely be game-time decisions during warmups half an hour before the Capitals and Rangers line up at center ice inside Madison Square Garden.
