The Capitals we’re back to work Sunday morning at MedStar Capitals Iceplex as they continue their lengthy five-day hiatus between games. They next host the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night at Capital One Arena. The Capitals will have the day off on a Monday for a team building event and return to practice on Tuesday. Here are the news and notes from Sunday’s practice. 

As we mentioned in yesterday’s practice report, Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny returned to skating with the team on Saturday, but was practicing with a (light blue) non-contact Jersey. Kempny sustained a concussion in a preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25 (here).

Kempny doesn’t remember the Bortuzzo hit.

“I saw it on the video. I don’t remember the whole shift when it happened. I had a little bit of a blackout.”

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) October 7, 2018

On Sunday, Kempny practiced in a normal (full contact) jersey, indicating Kempny is potentially close to returning to the lineup.

Kempny full participant in practice this morning #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/t4vbPujSmd

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 7, 2018

Brooks Orpik, who took a maintenance day on Saturday, also returned to practice today.

Michal Kempny taking plenty of contact during Caps practice this morning. Had been in a non-contact jersey yesterday. Appears to be progressing toward a return on Wednesday vs. Vegas. pic.twitter.com/NEE5iSLsDz

— Roman Stubbs (@romanstubbs) October 7, 2018

Lines at practice

Caps today:

Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Connolly
Vrana-Backstrom-Oshie
Burakovsky-Eller-Stephenson
Jaskin-Dowd-DSP

Walker-Megna-Wilson

Orlov-Niskanen
Kempny-Carlson
Orpik-Djoos
Bowey

Holtby
Copley

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) October 7, 2018

And finally, have you raised your banner yet?

RAISE THAT BANNER!!! @NoVa_Caps @russianmachine @Capitals @NBCSCapitals pic.twitter.com/LWNwzmxSNt

— Jen Schimmenti (@shortmenti) October 7, 2018

By Jon Sorensen