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Capitals Injury Updates: Oshie Appears Set To Return, Backstrom Skates

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Capitals forward T.J. Oshie

As the Washington Capitals return to game action on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Flyers, they got more updates on the injury front with regard to T.J. Oshie, Nicklas Backstrom and Dmitry Orlov.

Oshie, who has missed the last 11 games with a lower-body injury, appears ready to draw back in against Philadelphia. No. 77 was taking part in line rushes at Wednesday’s morning skate, per The Washington Post’s Samantha Pell, skating on the second-line right wing alongside Sonny Milano and Evgeny Kuznetsov. It’s huge news for Washington, who desperately needs a spark on offense at 5-on-5 and on the power play. With Oshie back, Nicolas Aube-Kubel appears to be the odd man out and healthy scratch. Since Connor McMichael went to Hershey on Sunday, Oshie is free to come off the injured reserve without the team needing another roster move.

Dmitry Orlov, who did not skate on Monday, was also back on the ice on Wednesday. However, he did not take part in rushes. It appears that he will miss his eighth straight game as the Capitals host the Flyers on Thanksgiving eve. He has not played since Nov. 5, when he left action against the Arizona Coyotes early due to a lower-body injury.

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In other injury news, Washington got encouraging news on the Backstrom front. Celebrating his 35th birthday on Wednesday, Backstrom took part in the team’s morning skate in a non-contact jersey. This is the second time he’s skated with the team as he rehabilitates and works his way back after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in June. His first full team practice came on Saturday when he took part in the team’s morning skate prior to the last home game against the Colorado Avalanche.

Backstrom was also on the ice on Monday, where he worked on shooting drills and game situations individually with assistant coach Blaine Forsythe. However, he did not stay for the entire skate.

The Capitals will face Philly at 7:30 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena.

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