Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green took part in a grueling practice Wednesday, reports Katie Carrera of the Washington Post, one day after Washington dropped to the Dallas Stars, 5-2, in a listless performance. An ankle injury suffered against the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 22 has ruled Green out of Washington's past six games, of which the Capitals have lost four.
Coach Bruce Boudreau put his team through the paces Wednesday with battle drills and bag skates, and called Green's performance "a real positive."
Washington takes on the New Jersey Devils in a home-and-home set this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11-12, and Green could return. Boudreau did not rule Green in or out for those games, but is nontheless "optimistic" that Green could play, says Carrera. Following the contests against New Jersey, Washington embarks on a five-night road trip with visits to the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
In seven games this season, Green has three goals and three assists with a plus-minus ratio of plus-two.