ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Washington Capitals are a pretty healthy bunch heading into Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series with the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.
Forwards Donald Brashear (knee) and Boyd Gordon (broken finger) practiced again this morning and are ready to return. Mind you, Gordon could still be a healthy scratch with the Caps carrying an extra forward.
The lines at practice today:
• Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Viktor Kozlov
• Brooks Laich-Sergei Fedorov-Alexander Semin
• Tomas Fleischmann-Michael Nylander-Eric Fehr
• Brashear-Dave Steckel-Matt Bradley/Gordon
Defenseman Tom Poti skated. He nursed a groin issue the last three games of the regular season. The Caps have seven defensemen to choose from. Backup goalie Brent Johnson, recovering from February hip surgery, and captain Chris Clark (wrist) remain out.
The practice at the Capitals' suburban rink was well-attended by fans as the buzz here is growing for a possible Cup run.
Pierre LeBrun
