The Washington Capitals returned to work on Monday following a few days off over the weekend. Forward T.J. Oshie, goaltender Vitek Vanecek and defenseman Justin Schultz all participated in the practice.
T.J. Oshie, Vitek Vanecek and Justin Schultz are all on the ice in full contact jerseys at Caps practice.
Oshie and Vanecek have been on IR with an upper body injuries. Schultz was injured last week, upper body as well.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) February 21, 2022
Anthony Mantha skated at Capitals practice in a light blue non-contact jersey. It was the first time he’s participated in a team skate since his shoulder surgery in early Nov.
Capitals Coach Peter Laviolette didn’t have much additional information about Oshie, Vanecek, Schultz following practice. Their status for Thursday’s game in New York is still up in the air. Caps are expected to practice Tues/Wed as well.
Today was the first time all season the Capitals had their entire optimal lineup on the ice for practice together.
lovely sights to start the week pic.twitter.com/mo4BgVEIqt
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 21, 2022
The Capitals next face the Rangers in New York on Thursday.
Hopefully all three can go against the Rangers on Thursday. Big game.
Things are looking up. Part of this feels planned, rest players until after the Olympic break. Particularly when you consider a number of the players said they were worn down during the playoffs last season.