Semyon Varlamov returned to the ice today, just like George McPhee said he would, and practiced with the team for the majority of the morning skate. Varly also left the ice early, which is usually an indication of who will start that night's game. However, Michal Neuvirth confirmed after he came off the ice that he is starting tonight for the Capitals, which what was expected; the team is going to be very cautious with their young Russian goaltender. As a result, the Capitals have recalled goaltender Todd Ford from Hershey of the AHL to back up Neuvirth tonight.
Alex Ovechkin did not skate, taking the morning off, but has no injury and will play tonight. Neither did Jay Beagle, although there is no word on whether or not he is expected to play tonight; he has an upper body injury. Tom Poti and Eric Fehr both took the full practice, staying until the end; although neither will play tonight, that they are well enough to stay on the ice for a full morning practice is good news.
All three of the new Capitals are expected to play tonight: Marco Sturm, Dennis Wideman, and Jason Arnott. Wideman will skate with Scott Hannan tonight, and Arnott will play on a line with Alexander Semin and Sturm. That confirms that Tyler Sloan will be a healthy scratch tonight. Defenseman Mike Green is still in Calgary and will not be back with the team until Friday at the earliest, and then will continue his concussion recovery process. There is no concrete timetable for his return to the Capitals lineup.
Another update on the Islanders end: Nathan Lawson is now expected to start for New York instead of Al Montoya.
Puck drops for this one 7:08-ish. Check back after the game.
Thanks to Sky Kerstein for information used in this post.
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