The Washington Capitals appear close to getting one of their most important players back into their lineup.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, the club’s top-line center, practiced with his teammates for the first time after missing the last four games with an illness. However, while Dubois returned to drills to some extent, he still wasn’t a full participant in the skate, wearing a light blue no-contact jersey.
“Dubie, first step back, practiced with the group today,” head coach Spencer Carbery said. “I’ll talk to Serbs (head athletic trainer Jason Serbus) about how he was today, and we’ll see about tomorrow. Yeah, go from there.”
While Carbery said he’ll check on Dubois’ availability for Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, his best guess was that the Capitals will be without him for a fifth straight contest. In two games against his former team while with the Capitals, Dubois has recorded two assists.
“I’m assuming Dubois won’t play, but I’ll talk to Serbs and see where he’s at,” Carbery said. “I think once you’re back and illness-wise able to join the group and come into the facility, it’s not about not feeling well. It’s more about getting up to speed, and when you’ve been off for that many days, just trying to get your legs back under you and feel comfortable to go out and perform in an NHL game.”
Dubois, who has four points (1g, 3a) in four games this season, will likely be joined by fellow center Justin Sourdif in missing the matchup with the Kings. Sourdif missed Saturday’s win against the New Jersey Devils due to illness.
The 24-year-old forward didn’t skate Monday morning, and Carbery has already ruled him out for Tuesday’s game. “He hasn’t skated, and I think it’s probably been three or four days now, so he definitely won’t play,” Carbery said.
While the Capitals will likely remain without the two forwards, they should see veteran defenseman Matt Roy return to the lineup. Roy missed six games with a lower-body injury and has been back skating with the team since Friday. With Roy nearing his return, the Caps returned blueliner Justin Holl to the AHL’s Hershey Bears this past weekend.
“Roy back practicing, so we’ll see where he’s at for tomorrow,” Carbery said.
The Kings come to DC as the only NHL team without a win so far this season. Under new head coach Peter Laviolette, the Kings are 0-4-2 and lost their last game to the Boston Bruins 4-1 on Saturday.
