BALLSTON, Va. - The Washington Capitals had a different look during practice Thursday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Special teams were the primary focus as players were broken up into several groups. Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Troy Brouwer, Mike Green and Dennis Wideman made up one power play group, while Alexander Semin, Mike Knuble, Mathieu Perreault, Marcus Johansson, Brooks Laich, Roman Hamrlik and John Carlson made up another.
Minus Jay Beagle, who has yet to return after his fight with the Pittsburgh Penguins' Arron Asham last Thursday, every other Cap was present and accounted for, including Michal Neuvirth. Neuvirth participated in the entire practice and said afterwards that he continues to get better.
"I feel good," Neuvirth said. "Hopefully, tomorrow is going to feel even better, but it's getting better everyday."
Neuvirth said that he is unsure of whether or not he would be able to back up Tomas Vokoun Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings. Head coach Bruce Boudreau said that that was doubtful, but said that there is a possibility that Neuvirth could return during next week's road trip to Edmonton and Vancouver.
"I gotta believe that he'll be ready to play in a game next week on the trip," Boudreau said.
Neuvirth has not played since the season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes October 8. Dany Sabourin, who has backed up Vokoun during the last two games, is still with the Caps and practiced Friday.