The Capitals are gearing up to return to the mix, and players are getting healthy, too.
The Washington Capitals are close to witnessing a sight they haven't seen since early on in the season: a fully healthy roster.
Connor McMichael shed the non-contact jersey on Wednesday and was a full participant in practice on Thursday, a positive sign that he could be ready to play that first game coming out of the Olympic break.
"He'd be on target," coach Spencer Carbery said. "For him to now have multiple practices left (to get to full strength), that's a good sign."
McMichael suffered an upper-body injury on Jan. 29 against the Detroit Red Wings after taking a hard hit in the corner. He missed the final four games going into the break and was listed as week-to-week.
With McMichael back, the forward lines will have all of their options healthy for the first time in a long time, as Pierre-Luc Dubois returned just before the break and used the time away to continue getting ice time and reps to get his hands and skills back.
It's a welcome sign for D.C., who sits four points of a Wild Card spot and third in the Metropolitan Division.
Meanwhile, Charlie Lindgren is still a full participant and continues to take reps as one of two NHL goalies at practice, with Logan Thompson at the Olympics. Lindgren said he's feeling good after being hurt in the same game as McMichael.
Washington will have a day off on Friday before returning for a couple more practices. The Capitals then return to game action on Wednesday at home against the Philadelphia Flyers.