The Capitals are preparing for tonight’s game against the Phoenix Coyotes and we have no real idea of who will be in the lineup. Alex Semin, Alex Ovechkin, Joel Ward and Dennis Wideman all took their option. Ward was ill on Sunday, but Bruce Boudreau said he expects his right wing to be ready to play. Given that Alex Semin wore a white fourth-line jersey at practice on Sunday that could mean he’s the odd-man out – although Mathieu Perreault has been scratched six times in the last eight games.
Defenseman Dmitry Orlov will make his NHL debut, according to Boudreau, who then gave a description of the rookie’s ideal defense partner that sounded suspiciously like Karl Alzner. Those two did skate together at times during Sunday’s practice. As for the defenseman who will be scratched: Boudreau might be leaning towards John Erskine, who took a hard spill on his shoulder in practice and was described as a game-time decision. Struggling Jeff Schultz was another candidate.
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“No, we haven’t seen the lineup yet,” Alzner said. “It said on the board earlier just be ready to play. So we don’t really know what is going on.”
Meanwhile, Mike Green (right groin) again did not skate. The team is still hoping for later in the week, but for now is keeping him listed as day-to-day. Jay Beagle (concussion) had a minor setback from his recovery, Boudreau said, and had to start his rehab over again. So it could be a while for Beagle. Boudreau did say he talked to his winger at length on Monday and that Beagle has been feeling better the last three or four days. He’s hoping to return to the ice by the beginning of next week.
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