BALLSTON, Va. - Not every member of the Washington Capitals was on the ice for Monday's morning skate at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Joel Ward and Dennis Wideman took their options and did not participate.
After practice, head coach Bruce Boudreau said it "was all their choice" not to skate. Ward left Sunday's practice early after Boudreau said he wasn't feeling well, but when asked if Ward will be ready for Monday's game against the Phoenix Coyotes, Boudreau said he would be. John Erskine, who skated Monday but left Sunday's practice after taking a bump on his surgically-repaired shoulder, will be a game-time decision.
Boudreau also insinuated that Dmitry Orlov will make his NHL debut Monday. The Caps recalled Orlov Sunday from AHL Hershey.
Boudreau provided updates on Jay Beagle and Mike Green as well. According to Boudreau, Beagle has done really well the last few days, but had a "little bit of a setback." Boudreau said that Beagle hopes to skate again by the beginning of next week. Boudreau also hopes that Green returns to skating by the end of the week.
Tomas Vokoun left the ice first and will start Monday.