Capitals Notebook: Jensen & Sandin Possible For Game 3, Miroshnichenko Making Playoff Debut, Lineup Notes vs. Rangers

The Capitals got some positive news on the injury front.

The Washington Capitals are looking to claw their way back into their series and start to erase a 2-0 deficit against the New York Rangers on Friday, and they could get two key names back in the mix on the blue line.

Nick Jensen and Rasmus Sandin, who have been out since the regular season after suffering upper-body injuries on big hits, upgraded to regular jerseys at morning skate and have been cleared for contact, a "positive step" for head coach Spencer Carbery.

"They're getting closer and closer," Carbery said.

Whether or not they will play remains to be seen, as Carbery said he will re-evaluate where both are at after practice and make a decision from there.

Meanwhile, upfront, there's a change to the forward lines as Ivan Miroshnichenko is set to draw in for Nicolas Aube-Kubel on the fourth line, who will be a healthy scratch. It marks Miroshnichenko's Stanley Cup Playoffs debut, one that Carbery and the team hope can provide a spark as D.C. trails its series 2-0.

"I felt like he fit in really well in that role, and that's all we're looking for," Carbery said of putting Miroshnichenko with Nic Dowd and Beck Malenstyn. "He doesn't have to save the world; he doesn't have to come in and be the best player on the ice or do anything spectacular. We're just looking for energy, competitiveness and him to give us solid minutes inside of our lineup."

Charlie Lindgren will remain between the pipes, and Sonny Milano, who missed Thursday's practice due to maintenance, is good to go. Vincent Iorio remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.