It appears as though Mike Green's time on the shelf is nearing its end. According to Katie Carrera of the Washington Post, citing a source, Green will return to the Washington Capitals' lineup Friday evening when Washington hosts the New Jersey Devils at Verizon Center.
Since Green injured his right ankle against the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 22, the Capitals have lost four of their six games, dipping to 9-4-0 after a 7-0 start.
Despite the injury, the seven-year veteran took part in the most grueling practice of Washington's young season Wednesday, fueling speculation that he was nearly ready to return. Though coach Bruce Boudreau declined to rule Green officially in or out for the Capitals' back-to-back, home-and-home set with New Jersey, the source Carrera cites appears to have done that work for him.
In 159 minutes of ice time through seven games, Green has three goals and three assists.