Lightning Vs. Capitals: Tomas Vokoun To Return As Caps Look To End Homestand With Victory

BALLSTON, Va. - Tomas Vokoun will return to the Washington Capitals' lineup Thursday as they look to salvage their five-game homestand with a win in the finale against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Vokoun has not played since February 22, when he was pulled after 32:08, allowing four goals on 11 shots in a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. Vokoun missed time last week with a lower-body injury, not even suiting up against the Philadelphia Flyers Sunday in a 1-0 loss. Vokoun, however, was healthy enough to back up Michal Neuvirth Tuesday in the Caps' 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes and is healthy enough to start Thursday.

Vokoun's return in goal will likely be the only one as Mike Knuble, Roman Hamrlik and John Erskine took part in extra work after Thursday's morning skate and will be Washington's healthy scratches. Hamrlik has not played since February 20, while Erskine has not played since February 12. Knuble will miss his ninth game in Washington's last 14.