Samsonov Returns To Capitals’ Practice; Hathaway Skates On Top Line

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Harrison Brown

After leaving the end of the Washington Capitals’ practice on Tuesday in some discomfort, goaltender Ilya Samsonov returned to the team for Wednesday’s practice.
Center Connor McMichael, who missed Tuesday’s practice with a non-COVID-19 related illness, participated during Wednesday’s session. However, neither right-wing T.J. Oshie nor center Nicklas Backstrom, who both missed the team’s 4-3 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday for the same reasons, skated with the Capitals.

Defenseman Dmitry Orlov, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, did not practice with the team on Wednesday. The Capitals are off for another day before they visit the St. Louis Blues on Friday (8 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington in-market, ESPN+ out-of-market) and Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Head coach Peter Laviolette did not rule him out for Friday’s game.

Right-wing Garnet Hathaway replaced Tom Wilson on the top trio while Wilson skated on a line with center Lars Eller and left-wing Conor Sheary.

Defenseman Michal Kempny met with the media following practice on Wednesday. He spoke about his disappointment in missing a potential opportunity to participate in the upcoming Olympics.

NHL News

* Pittsburgh Penguins traded C Sam Lafferty to Chicago Blackhawks for LW Alex Nylander, who will report to the AHL’s Wilkes-Barry Scranton Penguins

* The NHL and 20 of its teams are suing five of their insurance providers, alleging the companies have breached contracts by refusing to reimburse more than $1 billion worth of losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic

* Montreal Canadiens G Carey Price is still working to get back, because he went into the player assistance program rehab from knee surgery was delayed

* Boston Bruins played C Tomas Nosek and one staff member into the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol

* Tampa Bay Lightning placed C Riley Nash on waivers

Capitals Today

By Harrison Brown

About Harrison Brown

Harrison is a diehard Caps fan and a hockey fanatic with a passion for sports writing. He attended his first game at age 8 and has been a season ticket holder since the 2010-2011 season. His fondest Caps memory was watching the Capitals hoist the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, photography, and hanging out with his two dogs. Follow Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonB927077
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