Photo: WaPo

Washington Capitals forward Richard Panik skated for the first time since leaving the second period of the team’s 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 16 following a collision with defenseman Jonas Seigenthaler after practice on Thursday but wore a no-contact jersey. Though, he is not eligible to return until November 11 against the Arizona Coyotes, his former team, since he was placed on long-term injured reserve on October 18.

Center Nic Dowd, who left Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Maple Leafs with what appeared to be a leg injury, skated for a little bit after practice and center Evgeny Kuznetsov, who left against the Maple Leafs after crashing into the boards but returned, took a maintenance day.

Neither is certain to play in Friday night’s game vs. the Buffalo Sabres (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington), according to head coach Todd Reirden. Reirden added that the Capitals will likely recall a forward from the AHL’s Hershey Bears before Friday’s game if neither can play.

With Kuznetsov out, center Lars Eller skated in his spot while defenseman Tyler Lewington dressed as a forward during practice on Thursday. Forward Chandler Stephenson was in Eller’s normal spot.

Forward T.J. Oshie discussed the MLB’s Washington Nationals’ win in Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday night.

“It was amazing. I had goosebumps, seeing them do that and the fashion they did it in.” — T.J. Oshie on the #Nats winning the World Series. He said it brought back fond memories. #Caps pic.twitter.com/5fGHQW6BEw
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) October 31, 2019

Capitals Today

CAPS TODAY: With a 9-2-3 record in October, the Capitals set a franchise record for points (21) and tied the franchise record for wins. More info on https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/jHIvC1Acjl

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 31, 2019

By Harrison Brown