BOSTON -- After six games out with a lower-body injury, Tomas Vokoun is scheduled to be the Washington Capitals' starting goaltender tonight against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden.
Vokoun carries a 25-17-2 record with a 2.53 goals-against average and .916 save percentage into the vital game for the Capitals, who trail eight-place Buffalo by two points in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
After practicing Wednesday, Vokoun declared himself ready to return. The morning skate today did nothing to change that.
"We are basically with our backs against the wall," Vokoun said. "You want to be on the ice and make a difference, a positive one. So I'm glad I'll get the chance to play."
Joel Ward and Nicklas Backstrom both skated for the Capitals but will remain sidelined with their injuries.
Here’s a look at Washington's projected lineup:
Marcus Johansson - Brooks Laich - Alex Ovechkin
Jason Chimera - Mathieu Perreault - Alexander Semin
Matt Hendricks - Jay Beagle - Troy Brouwer
Mike Knuble - Cody Eakin - Keith Aucoin
Dennis Wideman - Karl Alzner
Roman Hamrlik - Mike Green
John Carlson - Dmitry Orlov
Tomas Vokoun
Michal Neuvirth