Justin Sourdif Returns to Practice, but Not Yet Ready for Game Action
The Washington Capitals are slowly piecing together their full lineup, with rookie forward Justin Sourdif making a positive step forward in his recovery from an upper-body injury. Sourdif returned to the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Friday, donning a light blue, no-contact jersey and showing no extra protection on his helmet after a recent puck-to-the-face incident.
Sourdif's injury occurred early in the second period of the Capitals' 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators, limiting his ice time to just 6:16. This was his second injury in a week, as he had already sustained a bloodied face from a collision with Connor McMichael in practice just days prior.
Despite the positive skate, head coach Spencer Carbery ruled Sourdif out of Saturday night's game against the Florida Panthers. The Capitals have managed 1-1 results in their last two games without Sourdif. Carbery explained, 'Sourdif will not play today. He's making progress and participated in some non-contact drills.'
Interestingly, Carbery did not rule out veteran winger Tom Wilson, who has been out with a lower-body injury since January 3. When asked about Wilson's availability, Carbery replied, 'We'll see.'
Defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who was also absent due to personal reasons, is likely on baby watch as his wife, Olivia, is expecting their first child. The Capitals will host the Panthers on Saturday before embarking on a six-game road trip, returning to Capital One Arena only on the final day of the month.
