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Washington Capitals News

Leonard (upper-body) practiced in a normal jersey on Friday and went through some light contact drills.

Leonard is only two weeks into his initial three-to-four week recovery timeline and is seemingly slightly ahead of schedule, returning to practice on Friday. The 21-year-old rookie was starting to come into his own before his injury, scoring 10 points (4G / 6A) in his last nine games.

Ryan Leonard
Thompson will start vs. Toronto on Thursday.

The Capitals were atop the Eastern Conference one week ago, but after losing three straight (0-2-1), they find themselves in a Wild Card spot in an ultra-tight standings race. That said, Thompson has been outstanding for Washington this season, posting a 2.09 GAA and .922 SV% in 23 games (13-7-3). Better yet, he has a 1.90 GAA and .940 SV% in his last eight outings (5-1-2). The Capitals enter the action on Thursday as -150 home favorites against a Toronto Maple Leafs team that narrowly defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in a 3-2 come-from-behind win on Tuesday to snap a two-game losing skid.

Logan Thompson
Lindgren will start in Minnesota on Tuesday.

Lindgren returns to the Capitals' crease for only the second time in three weeks despite a solid performance in his previous outing, saving 23 of 24 shots (.958 SV%) in a 7-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. The 31-year-old Lindgren has been serviceable in a supporting role this season, but has been a distant second to starting netminder Logan Thompson, posting a 2.90 GAA and .893 SV% in 10 games (5-3-1). The Capitals enter Tuesday's contest as +100 road underdogs against a Minnesota team that has outscored its opposition 18-7 during a four-game winning streak.

Charlie Lindgren
Lindgren (upper-body) will travel with Washington on their upcoming road trup.

Lindgren has been sidelined for the last week due to an upper-body injury, but should return to the lineup, at least in a backup role, on the teams upcoming two-game road trip. The 31-year-old Lindgren has a 2.90 GAA and .893 SV% in 10 appearances this season (5-3-1).

Charlie Lindgren
Carlson (upper-body) took full part in warmups and is expected to return to the Capitals lineup on Thursday.

Carlsson has not played since December 2nd, regularly a game-time decision in games since, but will to the lineup on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 35-year-old Carlsson was putting together an impressive campaign before his injury, with 23 points (6G / 17A) in 26 games.

John Carlson
Thompson will start in Carolina on Thursday.

The Capitals have skyrocketed to the top of the Eastern Conference, 8-1-1 in their last 10, and will roll with Thompson on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 28-year-old Thompson has been outstanding lately and is coming off an impressive 39-save performance in a 2-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets for his second shutout of the season. He has a 1.96 GAA and .925 SV% in 21 games this season (13-6-2). Still, the Capitals enter Thursday's contest as slight +102 home underdogs against a Hurricanes team they defeated 4-1 last month.

Logan Thompson