BALLSTON, Va. - Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green attempted to practice once again Thursday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, but after skating before and during practice for about 35 minutes, he left for the locker room. With Green not fully practicing since injuring his right ankle almost two weeks ago, head coach Bruce Boudreau said that Green is out Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
"Well, Green for sure," Boudreau said. "It's pretty difficult in this league to just step off the injury block. Even though both the guys are in tremendous shape, it's quite a difference from working out in the gym than working out on the ice."
Troy Brouwer also did not practice Thursday and hasn't since Tuesday's 5-4 overtime win over the Anaheim Ducks. Brouwer apparently injured his right shoulder - the same shoulder he had surgery on this summer - late in the third period and he did not return to the game. Brouwer's status for Friday seems doubtful, but Boudreau said he would make that decision tomorrow.
"Brouwer, he's only had two days off," Boudreau said. "It's like not having nine or 10 days off, so we'll see how he goes in the morning skate."
Boudreau, hwoever, did admit that both players will travel with the team on its two-game road trip to Carolina and New York.