The Washington Capitals jumped back on the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex for another Olympic break practice on Thursday.
Connor McMichael, who was previously skating in a light blue, no-contact jersey, was a full participant at the practice. The progress suggests the 25-year-old forward will be ready to go against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 25, after he missed the team’s final four games before the break.
McMichael suffered his injury on January 29 against the Detroit Red Wings, missing the final 8:18 of regulation and all of overtime and the shootout. Two days later, the Capitals announced that he’d be out “week-to-week” and placed him on injured reserve. In 55 games this season, the 25-year-old McMichael has recorded 31 points (8g, 23a).
The entire Capitals roster, barring the three players at the Olympics in Italy, was on the ice for the skate outside of veteran defenseman John Carlson. According to the team, Carlson missed practice due to maintenance-related issues.
Notably, Carlson left the team’s final game before the break against the Nashville Predators after the first period due to a lower-body injury. The 36-year-old rearguard has 46 points (10g, 36a) in 55 games this season.
Thursday’s skate was the second mandatory practice for the Capitals ahead of their return game against the Flyers next week. The team has a planned day off on Friday, before they’re back skating on Saturday and Sunday.
