After injuring his left thumb on Friday the 13th against the Devils just over a month ago, Matt Niskanen will make his return tonight against the Nashville Predators. Niskanen missed a total of 13 games. Barry Trotz hinted last week that he was inching closer to returning to game action and Tuesday at morning skate things came full circle. 

Niskanen was placed on the third defensive pair alongside Dmitry Orlov. In addition, Niskanen was practicing on the second power play unit replacing Christian Djoos.

Greetings from morning skate in Nashville!

Stephenson-Backstrom-Oshie
Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-DSP
Vrana-Eller-Wilson
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Orlov-Niskanen (!!!)

Holtby in the starter’s net.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) November 14, 2017

After the morning skate, Trotz told reporters that his game plan is to ease Niskanen back into the flow of things. If he’s up to speed, he could play up to 20 minutes.

Trotz says the plan for Niskanen is to ease him back into the flow. If he shows he’s up to speed, tho, he could play 20 minutes. The coaches will decide as the game unfolds. #Caps#CapsPreds

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikNBCS) November 14, 2017

Niskanen talked to the media following the skate.

Guess who’s back? Nisky’s back! #CapsPreds #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Ps7HauwbcW

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 14, 2017

By Michael Marzzacco
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