Andre Burakovsky has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury. The Washington Capitals held an optional skate at Kettler Capitals Iceplex on Friday afternoon before the pivotal Game 5 that will take place on Saturday. Find out if Burakovsky was one of those players in attendance and what coach Barry Trotz said when he spoke to the media. 

To refresh your memory, Burakovsky left the ice in the first period of Game 2 after this hit from Boone Jenner.

Burakovsky took a hit into the boards from Boone Jenner late in the 1st and is not on the bench for the 2nd.

Stream #CapsJackets: https://t.co/qsAGPkboos pic.twitter.com/Gbm4mCHhLS

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) April 16, 2018

Burakovsky didn’t return nor did he join the team for Games 3 and 4 in Columbus. After the Capitals took both games, they returned to Arlington and held an optional practice. There were a dozen players skating, as this was the last time they would get work in before Saturday afternoon’s game but Burakovsky wasn’t on the ice.

Back Home! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/JgqUBaE4kW

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 20, 2018

Trotz told the media that Burakovsky will be out for the remainder of the series and will need minor surgery. He could return in the second round if the Caps do their part and win the series.

Capitals coach Barry Trotz says winger Andre Burakovsky will have “minor” surgery and is out for the rest of the first round against Columbus.

— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) April 20, 2018

By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo

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Big thanks to those who came out to our watch party to #RockTheRed and cheer the #Caps on to a Game 4 victory! #ALLCAPS #LetsGoCaps #NoVaCapsWatchParty

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