Capitals' Green practices, hopeful for season opener

Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green, who had been out because of an upper-body injury, practiced in a regular jersey Thursday, giving him hope he could play in the season opener Oct. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens

Green was injured during a preseason game Sept. 26 against the Boston Bruins.

Green told the Washington Post he still felt some discomfort from his injury and wasn't sure if he would be able to play in the Capitals' final preseason game, against the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 5 (3 p.m. ET, NHLN-US).

"I hope so," he said Thursday. "We'll assess it closer to then. Right now we're still just day-by-day and we'll see what happens there.

"No, still not quite there, but getting stronger each day, which is good. No holdups or setbacks."

Two other injured Capitals practiced Thursday in regular jerseys, according to the Post: forward Michael Latta (upper body) and defenseman Nate Schmidt (head). Each is possible for the preseason game against the Hurricanes.