The Washington Capitals returned to MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Saturday morning for the first time since opening the season on a back-to-back. Here are all of the news from the team’s practice on Saturday morning: 

Defenseman Brooks Orpik, who scored his first goal in 182 regular season games in the Capitals’ 7-6 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, took a maintenance day on Saturday

Defenseman Michal Kempny, who suffered an upper-body injury in a preseason game against the St. Louis Blues two weeks ago and was placed on injured reserve, participated in practice for the first time since his injury occured but did not participate in all of the drills. Kempny was wearing a blue no-contact jersey. The Capitals do not play until Wednesday night, so it is best not to rush him.

Kempny practicing in non contact blue this morning at @MedStarIceplex #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/jxcsvXUnVD

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 6, 2018

Forward Tom Wilson took Orpik’s place alongside defenseman Madison Bowey. The league announced that they decided to suspend Wilson for 20 games for an illegal hit to the head in the Capitals’ final preseason game against the Blues. Wilson appealed the suspension yesterday.

Because Orpik (maintenance day) isn’t practicing and Kempny (non-contact/upper body) is not doing all of the drills, Wilson has been taking some shifts at D alongside Bowey.

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) October 6, 2018

Forward Dmitrij Jaskin, who was claimed off of waivers by Washington from the Blues on Tuesday, skated on the Capitals’ fourth line with forward Nathan Walker coming out. Capitals’ coach Todd Reirden said the plan was to get him in on Wednesday when the team hosts the Vegas Golden Knights. He also added that the goal was to get Kempny back in against the Golden Knights.

Todd Reirden said he plans to play Dmitrij Jaskin on Wednesday against Vegas. Added that his goal is to have Michal Kempny back as well.

— Roman Stubbs (@romanstubbs) October 6, 2018

The team also did their annual “canine calender” photo shoot with a special appearence from the Stanley Cup after practice. The calenders will likely come out some time next month.

Guys – it’s the best day of the year…#CapsCanineCalendar Photoshoot Day!!! 🐶🐶🐶@HomewardTrails @MSEFndn #ALLCAPS #CapsCanines pic.twitter.com/2mlTVtP7CI

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 6, 2018

Special guest at this year’s #CapsCanineCalendar shoot – the Stanley Cup! #ALLCAPS #CapsCanines@HomewardTrails @MSEFndn pic.twitter.com/pbRTduaV1F

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 6, 2018

Forward T.J. Oshie, who leads the NHL with three goals and five points through two games this season, enjoyed hearing that news when told but he does not expect it to stay that way.

Oshie also the Rocket Richard leader with 3 goals so far. https://t.co/A4m5rWCrN9

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) October 6, 2018

Capitals Today

CAPS TODAY: T.J. Oshie has three goals through the first two games of the season for the first time in his career. More info on https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/T5zxYsE6eI

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 6, 2018

By Harrison Brown