Center Nic Dowd participated during the Washington Capitals’ practice on Sunday wearing a dark blue jersey after missing two of the past three games due to a lower-body injury. It is unknown if dark blue is code for “non contact,” which is what a light blue jersey usually signals. He skated as an extra during line rushes.

Head coach Peter Laviolette told the media that the 31-year-old will join the team on its upcoming two-game road trip, which will open against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Monday (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington locally, NHL Network nationally). However, he was unsure whether Dowd will be available against the Lightning.

Left-wing Conor Sheary skated with the team’s first power-play unit.

Caps PP1: Carlson Ovechkin, Wilson, Kuznetsov, Sheary.

PP2: Orlov, Schultz, Sprong, Eller, Mantha.

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) October 31, 2021

Despite not being able to play until Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers due to long-term injured reserve requirements, center Nicklas Backstrom will join the team on their road trip this week to be around the group. Though, Laviolette said that the plan for him will be to continue practicing on his own and it is unlikely that he will skate with the team. Therefore, it is unlikely that he will be able to return on Saturday.

CAPS TODAY: Ilya Samsonov recorded his fourth career shutout in just his 49th career game on Friday against the Arizona Coyotes. More info on Samsonov and #Caps Clips at https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/bjDpgVx0L6

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 31, 2021

The Captain met with the media prior to the team’s departure to Florida.

Ovi on this week’s Florida road trip #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/7GC12vJ2C7

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 31, 2021

By Harrison Brown