WASHINGTON D.C. - Despite not practicing Monday, Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green fully participated in practice Tuesday and say he's ready to return when the Caps begin the second round of play in the 2011 NHL Playoffs.
"I feel great," Green said. "I had a good skate today. We worked hard. I feel good."
Green left Saturday's Game 5 against the New York Rangers after taking a puck to the side of his head while blocking a shot. He did not return, but head coach Bruce Boudreau said after the game that he could have returned if they needed him to. Green has dealt with head injuries all season. The original injury occurred February 6 against the Pittsburgh Penguins when he took a Brooks Orpik slap shot to the head. Along with an elbow from the Rangers' Derek Stepan February 25, Green missed the last 20 games of the regular season and 26 of the last 28. When asked if Saturday's incident was similar to the one in February, Green said that the helmet got most of the puck this time.
"The first one was a lot different than this one," Green said. "Right away, I knew with the first one. This one, I got up right away. Other than it stinging a little bit, I was fine."