ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals are getting closer to seeing Max Pacioretty make his season debut, as the 34-year-old made another major stride in his recovery from a re-torn Achilles on Tuesday. At the same time, though, the team is dealing with setbacks regarding Sonny Milano and T.J. Oshie. Pacioretty has officially been cleared for contact and shed the powder blue jersey for a regular one on Tuesday. It marked the first time that he engaged in contact for a full team practice. Head coach Spencer Carbery said it was a positive sign for No. 67, who noted that he is where he wants to be recovery-wise. "I would say he's getting real close," Carbery said. "Some time after the break, might be right after the break." Washington Capitals Max Pacioretty contact drills That'll be the case for Milano and Oshie, too, as both will not play until after the NHL returns from the holiday break. Milano suffered an upper-body last weekend, with the injury seemingly happening against the New York Rangers when he was spun by a hit from Jacob Trouba. He has been on the injured reserve and will remain there for the time being. Meanwhile, Oshie recently made his return from an upper-body ailment and had points in back-to-back games, but he was a late scratch against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday due to a lower-body injury. He was placed on the IR with Milano on Tuesday. With Milano and Oshie out, the Capitals recalled Ivan Miroshnichenko and Hendrix Lapierre [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-ivan-miroshnichenko-recall-hendrix-lapierre] from the AHL's Hershey Bears. Carbery wouldn't commit to saying whether or not Miroshnichenko would make his NHL debut on Wednesday, but all signs point to him playing his first career game against the New York Islanders. As for Nicklas Backstrom, his decision to step away from the game remains unchanged, as his hip hasn't responded to the resurfacing surgery he underwent in 2022. He has been around the facility, though, and has also skated in a tracksuit.
