The Washington Post reported that Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green, out of the lineup since Feb. 27, skated by himself Friday prior to the team's practice, the first time since his most recent injury.
Green, on injured reserve with a groin injury, has missed six of the Capitals' past eight games. He was injured during a game Feb. 14 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and returned for back-to-back games Feb. 26 and Feb. 27 against the Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers, playing more than 21 minutes in each.
Green has seven points in 16 games, and injuries have limited him to 97 of the Capitals' 186 games since the start of the 2010-11 season.
The Post also reported that goalie Michal Neuvirth was absent from practice for a second straight day, leading to the possibility that Phillip Grubauer could make his first NHL start Saturday, when the Capitals face the New York Islanders. Capitals coach Adam Oates previously said he wanted to give Braden Holtby a game off during their back-to-back games this weekend against the Islanders and the New York Rangers on Sunday.
Forward Marcus Johansson, who has missed 11 games with a concussion, could return to the lineup for Saturday's game. The Post reported he was skating on a line with Jason Chimera and Jay Beagle during practice. He was cleared for contact earlier in the week.
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