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Washington Capitals News

Wilson (head) returned to practice on Monday.

Wilson missed the final two games of the regular season after being hit in the head by a shot on April 5th vs. the Red Wings. Wilson was reportedly not dealing with concussion-like symptoms and he is skating in a regular jersey this morning, so he could be good-to-go for Game 1 on Wednesday.

Tom Wilson
Ovechkin (lower-body) will be a game-time decision on Saturday.

Ovechkin missed Thursday’s game and he says he is feeling better after participating in yesterday’s practice and today’s skate, but he remains a game-time decision. He will take part in warmups and then the Capitals will decide whether or not he will play.

Alex Ovechkin
van Riemsdyk (knee) joined his teammates for Friday's morning skate.

van Riemsdyk, who has been sidelined with a left patella fracture since November 16th, had been limited to skating on his own, but joined his teammates for the first time this morning. The 23-year-old is just over three months into a 3-4 month timetable, so it appears as if he is progressing well.

Trevor van Riemsdyk
Ovechkin (upper-body) will play on Wednesday.

Ovechkin left practice on Tuesday with an upper-body injury, but was back on the ice this morning and he confirmed that he will be in the lineup vs. the Islanders. Ovi will skate with Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson. Ovechkin is averaging 4.65 shots per game and has18 points (9G / 9A) in 20 games.

Alex Ovechkin
Wilson is skating on the Capitals top line this morning.

The second year forward played a season-high 15:04 and scored one goal with one assist against Arizona on Sunday. This morning he is skating with Alex Ovehckin and Nicklas Backstrom, so it looks like he will be taking on a larger offensive role. Head coach Barry Trotz expressed his interest in having this trio together in the preseason and it has materialized.

Tom Wilson