Photo: @Capitals

The Washington Capitals held their first practice of the third round on Wednesday morning. One of the biggest storylines of the day was Andre Burakovsky and how close he is to returning to action since injuring his upper-body during Game 2 of the first round.

Beginning last Friday, the day before Game 5 of the second round, Burakovsky began doing individual skating for the first time. He also did a conditioning skate after the Capitals held a morning skate that Saturday. At the time, Burakovsky skated around with a stick in his hand and did some skating drills with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish.

On Wednesday, Burakovsky joined his teammates for practice and was wearing a light blue non-contact jersey.

Andre Burakovsky is practicing in a light blue non-contact jersey #progress #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/13tN4tGh4r

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) May 9, 2018

While the team began practice over at the Arlington rink doing individualized drills, Burakovsky was a full participant.

Burakovsky has fully participated in drills this morning #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/0C25n1RLwR

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) May 9, 2018

Burakovsky didn’t participate in the team-centric drills on the main Capitals rink (5-on-5, special teams) but did partake in some forward work once the forwards and blue liners were on opposite sides of the rink.

Per Tarik El-Bashir of NBC Sports Washington, Burakovsky wasn’t made available to reporters but after the skate coach Barry Trotz gave an update. Trotz said that Burakovksy is now listed from week-to-week to day-to-day. He will travel with the team to Tampa Bay for Game 1 on Friday night.

Here’s a great video from the end of practice of Burakovsky going top shelf over Pheonix Copley. Burakovsky looked good today and having him back in the third round will be vital against a tough Lightning team.

By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo

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