The Capitals play host to the Penguins on Friday.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals blue line is almost back to full strength, as Jakob Chychrun has taken the next step in his recovery from an upper-body injury.
Chychrun skated in a regular jersey and was a full participant in the team's morning skate, a positive sign as the team looks to get him back in the mix. Head coach Spencer Carbery didn't rule out a return on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but has to speak to the training staff.
The 26-year-old did take the scratches' skate.
As one door closes, though, another one opens, as Sonny Milano will sit out with an upper-body injury he suffered on Wednesday against the Nashville Predators. Milano, who just recently got back in the mix after nine games as a healthy scratch, did not take part in the team's morning skate and will be replaced in the lineup by Jakub Vrana, who has sat out the last two games.
With Milano out, Washington will likely recall another forward to have in the mix as the team embarks on its latest back-to-back.
Charlie Lindgren will get the start against the Penguins, as Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby renew their rivalry and face off for the 20th consecutive year.
Here are the projected lines for Friday's showdown at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Aliaksei Protas
Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson
Andrew Mangiapane-Hendrix Lapierre-Jakub Vrana
Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Taylor Raddysh
Martin Fehervary-John Carlson
Rasmus Sandin-Matt Roy
Alex Alexeyev-Trevor van Riemsdyk
Charlie Lindgren
Logan Thompson