Mike Green Taking Warmups, Likely To Play

Mike Green is taking warmups tonight and is very likely to play tonight according to Mike Vogel of WashingtonCapitals.com, via Twitter. Expect the team to dress seven defensemen in order to ease him back into the lineup.

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The good news just keeps coming in on the Mike Green injury front.

According to Sky Kerstein of 106.7 The Fan, via Twitter, Green will travel with the Caps on their upcoming four-game road trip. At this rate, you should expect the former All Star back in the lineup by February 22nd at the absolute latest.

For more timely updates, consult the player feed, which is updated minutes after news breaks.

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2/13/12: This morning, Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington reported that Mike Green could return within the next week. Green skated for over an hour during today’s practice which is the longest he’s stayed on the ice since getting hurt. It prompted head coach Dale Hunter to give great news on his injured d-man. From CSN Washington:

Expect a further update from the team to come within the next few days. For fantasy hockey owners, and the Capitals, getting Green back in the lineup should be viewed as a big boost.

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Just one day after we pondered if he had a setback, Mike Green returned to the ice according to Sky Kerstein of 106.7 The Fan, via Twitter. Even though Green still has no timetable for his return, getting back on the ice is a bit more settling for fantasy hockey owners.

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UPDATE 2/6/12: Mike Green was not spotted on the ice this morning. Furthermore, Green has not skated for three consecutive days according to Stephen Whyno of The Washington Times. And while we knew Green had no timeline following surgery, it looked like he would return over the next couple of weeks.

So, has Green suffered from a setback? Check back for a further update from the team’s media.

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UPDATE 2/3/12: Over three weeks ago Green went under the knife. Although he is expected to miss another couple of weeks, the once-elite defenseman was spotted on the ice, working out with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish according to Katie Carrera of The Washington Post, via Twitter. Number 52 remains a ways away from returning to the lineup but seeing him on the ice is certainly a good sign.

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UPDATE 1/16/12: Just when it couldn’t get any worse for Mike Green, well, it got worse.

Mike Vogl of WashingtonCapitals.com reported over Twitter that Green requires abdominal surgery and will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. The former All-Star defender likely misses all of February due to the injury making his chances of playing at least 41 games pretty slim.

If you can get any value for the offensive defender, now is the time to make the deal. If not, keep him out of your plans and hope that he can give your team a boost during the stretch run.

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UPDATE 1/9/12: According to Katie Carrera of The Washington Post, via Twitter, Green will not play tonight. In fact, he was seen in street clothes while wearing his John Henric accessories UK this morning and is returning to Washington D.C., completely ruling him out from any on-ice activity. Stay tuned for a further update from the team.

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Just two games since getting back into the lineup, Mike Green’s wonky groin is once again giving him problems. Green was limited to only 7:11 of ice time last night as his groin once again acted up. However, this time, coach Dale Hunter claims it was simply precautionary to take his All-Star out of the lineup.

According to Stephen Whyno of The Washington Times, the injury has nothing to do with a hard hit from fourth-line center Andrew Desjardins. “It got a little tight, so we’re being careful with him,” Hunter told the media. “We took him and pulled him out.” When asked about the hit, Hunter retorted that the groin was “just tightening up a bit.”

If the team used enough precaution to play five defensemen for the rest of last night’s game, they likely will hold him out of a game or two. As always, check back for a further update from the team.

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According to Brian McNally of The Washington Examiner, via Twitter, Green will draw in for tonight’s game. It will be only his ninth game of the season as the Calgary native last played on November 11th.

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UPDATE 1/2/12: Will Mike Green play tomorrow night in his hometown Calgary? At this point, we’re not sure.

Green has participated in full practices over the last week, including taking reps on the power play. All he needs now is the OK from team doctors. Although the 26-year-old would love to play he understands he needs to take it slow. From Capitals Insider:

We should get a further update from the team tomorrow before game time.

UPDATE 12/29/11: Mike Green continues to practice with his teammates and has even taken power play reps with his regular unit. At this rate, it sounds like he should get back into the lineup shortly. From Capitals Insider:

While fantasy hockey owners would like him to get back into the lineup, rushing his last return sidelined him for another six weeks. The Caps play both Friday and Saturday but the consensus is that Green returns against his hometown team, the Calgary Flames.

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UPDATE 12/22/11: Mike Green continues to take steps in the right direction as he was spotted on the ice for the fourth consecutive day. Although he remains out indefinitely and has not taken part in any drills, this news remains positive for the Calgary native.

According to Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington, Green will be made available to the media once his status changes. In the meantime, he has been instructed to focus on his recovery.

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UPDATED 12/14/11: We received good news on the Mike Green injury front today as the All-Star defender is expected to join the team later this week according to Katie Carrera of Capitals Insider. While Washington Capitals GM George McPhee acknowledged that Green has taken longer than expected to return, he also explained that the worst should be behind them. From Capitals Insider:

So in summary, Green is on the road to recovery once again and should be practicing with the team soon. However, his immediate return remains indefinite. Baby steps.

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UPDATE 12/10/11: Mike Green was skating prior to practice and sparingly with the puck but that all changed over the last couple of days as the All-Star defender hasn’t been seen on the ice. Head coach Dale Hunter insists that there is no setback but that he is using a different approach. From Capitals Watch:

There remains no timetable for his return. Thus far, Green has played only eight games, forcing fantasy hockey owners to try and win without his services. If you own him, be prepared for the worst and hopefully he can help you down the stretch.

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UPDATE 11/28/11: According to Stephen Whyno of The Washington Times, via Twitter, Green took the ice for the first time since November 11th this morning. Sky Kerstein of 106.7 The Fan, via Twitter, would later follow that up by announcing Green left the ice after roughly 30 minutes. While getting back on the ice remains a step in the right direction, it is safe to say Green won’t be back for a week or two.

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UPDATE 11/17/11: Mike Green will likely miss the next two games which includes tonight’s road game against the Winnipeg Jets. The elite defender, who is out with a strained groin muscle — did not skate today back at the Kettler Capitals IcePlex.

When asked about his star player’s status on this road trip, head coach Bruce Boudreau did not sound encouraged. From Capitals Insider:

“I really doubt it.”

As soon as we find another update on Green we will update our readership in our player updates section and right here.

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UPDATE 11/14/11: Mike Green is not travelling with the team for their upcoming road trip where they are scheduled to play the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs according to Brian McNally of The Washington Examiner, via Twitter. McNally would also note that he could join the team at some point during the road trip. For now the team holds six healthy defensemen, making their defensive pairings look like this.

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UPDATE 11/12/11: No surprise here but Mike Green will not play tonight — less than 24 hours since getting injured. Look for the elite defenseman to remain a possibility for Tuesday’s tilt against the Nashville Predators.

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UPDATE 11/11/11: Just one period into his return to the ice, Mike Green re-injured himself on a scary play which included his leg getting pinned against the boards. Although he failed to return in the second period, he’s actually listed as day-to-day. From CSN Washington:

“It’s a different soreness,” Boudreau said. “At least it’s not the ankle, so that’s good news. I’m pretty confident (it’s not serious). I talked to him already about it and it’s a day-to-day thing. Not a three-week day-to-day thing. It’s an actual day-to-day thing.”

Don’t expect Green to play tomorrow as the Capitals don’t need to rush back into the lineup. Stay tuned for a further update.

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Mike Green draws back into the lineup. Start him with confidence in your starting lineup.

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According to Stephen Whyno of The Washington Times, via Twitter, Green will be a game-time decision for tonight’s game. However both Whyno, via Twitter, and NHL.com’s Dan Rosen, via Twitter, admitted he likely draws in tonight. We won’t know until later but expect the elite defender to get back into the lineup.

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UPDATE 11/09/11: Green took part in today’s practice and by all means did not hold back. Typically participation that includes bag skating and full-contract drills leads to a return but Stephen Whyno of The Washington Times has a better description, straight from the source. From Capitals Watch:

Boudreau had been hopeful but not overconfident about Green playing this weekend, either Friday at the New Jersey Devils or Saturday at home against them. The All-Star defenseman taking part in a tough workout Wednesday seems like a good indication.

Check this thread on Friday and Saturday as we are guaranteed to update you on his status prior to the puck dropping.

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UPDATE 11/08/11: Mike Green took the scratches skate today, a solid indication he won’t play tonight. However, Sky Kerstein of 106.7 The Fan, via Twitter, reported Green is a possibility for this weekend. Stay tuned for a further update.

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UPDATE 11/05/11: Don’t look for Mike Green to return to the lineup tonight as several members of the Washington Capitals media inferred he would not play. If Green needs just one good practice, it doesn’t sound like today was the day. From Capitals Watch:

One day after scoring his first career NHL goal, Eakin is set to be a healthy scratch Saturday night at the Islanders. He was doing extra work on the ice with D.J. King and Mike Green – both of whom are expected to be out of the lineup – after the Caps’ already optional morning skate at Nassau Coliseum.

Keep Green on your bench / IR until further advised. For the team’s full lines, click here.

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UPDATE 11/01/11: Mike Green will not play tonight, this much we know. However, he managed to skate today which is certainly an encouraging sign. From Capitals Watch:

“If I feel good enough to play, I’ll play. There’s no date set yet,” he said. “I want to make sure I take care of it.”

Green said he would need one good practice to feel comfortable again.

“I don’t want to be bag-skating too long,” he said with a smile. “One good practice I think I’ll be fine. It’s more about the game – the speed of the game – and the quicker I can get into that situation the better I’ll be in the long run.”

Stay tuned for a further update on Green’s status. At this point it looks like a Friday or Saturday return may not be out of the question…

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UPDATE 10/31/11: Green did not practice for the seventh consecutive day and barring a ‘miracle’ will not play tomorrow night against the Ducks. From Capitals Watch:

And the defenseman again missed practice Monday – for the seventh straight day of workouts – with a twisted right ankle.

Coach Bruce Boudreau all but ruled Green out for Tuesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

“He’s improving. He’s just not going on the ice yet,” Boudreau said. “So it’d suffice to say he probably won’t be playing tomorrow – unless we have a miracle.”

I suppose you can, and should, check back tomorrow before game time on his status, but don’t hold your breath. Without Green in the lineup, Boudreau used Roman Hamrlik, Dennis Wideman, John Carlson and Mike Knuble on the points.

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UPDATE 10/28/11: According to Katie Carrera of The Washington Post, via Twitter, Green’s injury is not deemed long term. I suppose that could be construed as good news although it guarantees his absence from tomorrow night’s game. Green did not practice today and is still a few days away from returning to the ice.

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UPDATE 10/27/11: Mike Green will not play tonight according to Katie Carrera of The Washington Post. He did not practice with the team today, failing to practice for the fifth consecutive day. Update your lineup accordingly.

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UPDATE 10/26/11: Well, it looks like Green made the trip to Edmonton. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that matters as the defenseman failed to skate today. From Capitals Watch:

Agent Craig Oster, said Monday that Green twisted his right ankle on the same play he was hit in the chin with the puck Saturday against the Red Wings. Oster was optimistic that Green would play against the Oilers Thursday, something that is now in doubt.

Stay tuned for an official update on his status tomorrow. If he can’t play, look for Dennis Wideman to move up a pairing and Sean Collins to round out the top six.

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One has to wonder when Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green will get a break.

While Green was never the most durable player — playing 70, 82, 68, 75 and 48 games over his first five seasons — his offense generally made up for it. Outside of last season, where the Calgary native went through various ailments, Green was a lock to score at least 18 goals with the potential to hit 30. He was a modern-day Paul Coffey.

But last season put enough doubt in our minds to question his long-term value. If he regressed into the 40-point range he would no longer be an elite blue-liner. Through his first six games he scored a goal and an assist, leading his doubters to come out of the woodwork. He was a modern-day Sandis Ozolinsh.

Then in last Saturday’s game he broke out — scoring two goals and finishing the night with four points — putting him slightly below the point-per-game mark. With elite skills, outbursts like these happen — and Green certainly possesses elite skill.

Today was another story, when Stephen Whyno of The Washington Times noticed Green limping around with his right foot wrapped. From Capitals Watch:

Asked if he’s playing Thursday in Edmonton, Green’s response was: “We’ll see.”

Certainly a rather cryptic message to give the media. Ominous almost. So what seems to be the ailment? Again, from Capitals Watch:

The Caps don’t play until Thursday in Edmonton which may not be enough time for him to recover and then return to practice. Their next game after that is Saturday in Vancouver. Of course, if Green fails to make the trip, it should be a stronger indication he’s not ready.