ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals got some positive news on the injury front on Monday, as John Carlson joined the group again for practice as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury. Carlson was on the ice well before practice started, putting in individual and skills work before taking part in practice. He remained in a non-contact jersey. Per coach Spencer Carbery, it was a positive step and good progress for the 35-year-old blueliner, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be available for Tuesday's contest with the Utah Mammoth. Washington will see how Carlson fares at morning skate and go from there. Carbery Goes In-Depth About Capitals' Power-Play Woes & Personnel, Finding A Fix [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fad25b2c-ab44-40c5-96fe-5a2e7e728583.jpeg] Carbery Goes In-Depth About Capitals' Power-Play Woes & Personnel, Finding A Fix The Capitals coach discussed the struggling man advantage, which ranks as the second-worst in the NHL. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/players/carbery-goes-in-depth-about-capitals-power-play-woes-personnel-finding-a-fix] Getting Carlson back would give the Capitals a fully healthy lineup for the first time almost all season. It'd also give the team back a valuable offensive defenseman and another power-play quarterback option. Through 55 games this season, Carlson has 10 goals and 36 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-11. With Carlson out, Rasmus Sandin has taken his spot on the top pairing with Martin Fehervary, and Declan Chisholm has drawn back into the lineup. Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin took a maintenance day and did not skate, but was at the facility. He is expected to play on Tuesday and there is no concern regarding his status going forward.
