Capitals Notebook: Sheary Makes Return To Ice, Orlov, More Skate At Optional

The Washington Capitals got a good sign on Friday, as a key forward in Conor Sheary returned to the ice for an optional skate.

Sheary has been out since Saturday when he entered the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol prior to Washington’s tilt with the New York Islanders. He has missed the last three games, but the five days have passed that he needed to isolate if asymptomatic. He could end up playing on Saturday when the Capitals play host to Ottawa.

It will be a boost for Washington, as Sheary was heating up before entering protocol with three goals and an assist over his last four games. Through 31 games this season, No. 73 has 10 goals and 19 points. He had just 22 points through 53 games last season in his first year with D.C.

READ MORE ON WHN: Takeaways For The Capitals’ 4-3 Loss To Boston

The Capitals elected for an optional skate after a 4-3 loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday. There was no sign of John Carlson (COVID-19 protocol), T.J. Oshie (upper-body injury) or Nick Jensen (upper-body injury). Dmitry Orlov also skated, practicing while serving a two-game suspension for kneeing Nikolaj Ehlers on Tuesday.

On the ice for the optional: Daniel Sprong, Mike Sgarbossa, Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, Aliaksei Protas, Brett Leason, Connor McMichael, Dennis Cholowski, Michal Kempny and Matt Irwin. Goaltenders Vitek Vanecek, Ilya Samsonov and Hunter Shepard were all also skating.

The Senators also practiced on Friday, skating on the adjacent rink with Washington on the other side. Both face off Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.