Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/cba3473e-7fee-4e5f-9379-9e535e38fd4f.jpeg] ARLINGTON, V.A. — Dylan Strome is getting closer to a return, but will remain out against the New York Islanders as he recovers from an upper-body injury. The 28-year-old, who skated in a non-contact jersey for half of practice on Thursday before upgrading to a regular sweater halfway through for power-play work, was in a regular jersey again at Friday's morning skate. Strome was a full-go, and after speaking with trainer Jason Serbus, headed off early and did not stay on for extra work. Strome was officially a game-time decision against the New York Islanders, but will not play. He could return Saturday vs. the Buffalo Danres. Getting Strome back in the mix will be a big boost for Washington, who was shut out on Tuesday in Dallas and is seeking a spark at 5-on-5 and on the power play, which continues to struggle. Through nine games this season, Strome has two goals and eight assists. Meanwhile, Rasmus Sandin, who is day-to-day and on the injured reserve with an upper-body injury, remained in a non-contact jersey and will not play Friday, and he is also unlikely for Saturday's game against the Buffalo Sabres. Ethen Frank, who went on the IR on Thursday after having been hurt on a collision with Mikko Rantanen on Tuesday, did not skate. Logan Thompson will start against the Islanders, with Charlie Lindgren expected to get the nod on Saturday against the Sabres. Lines: Aliaksei Protas-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson Alex Ovechkin-Connor McMichael-Ryan Leonard Anthony Beauvillier-Hendrix Lapierre-Sonny Milano Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Justin Sourdif Martin Fehervary-John Carlson Jakob Chychrun-Matt Roy Declan Chisholm-Trevor van Riemsdyk Logan Thompson Charlie Lindgren
