Capitals Get Positive Sign With Orlov Considered Day-To-Day

The Washington Capitals can breathe a bit of a sigh of relief as they got a decent update on Dmitry Orlov.

Per head coach Peter Laviolette, Orlov is currently day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Although he did not skate, he was at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old blueliner left the ice in apparent pain after suffering an injury early in Washington’s Tuesday practice. Athletic trainer Jason Serbus accompanied him to the locker room and did not return.

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Orlov has been instrumental to the Capitals’ success on the blue line this season skating on the second pairing with a rejuvenated Nick Jensen. Through 34 games, the Russian has dished four goals and 17 points and leads the team with a +/- of plus-20. He has three assists in his last three games.

This season, Orlov has been moving the puck well for Washington, generating pressure and taking good care of the puck in his own end. He has also upped his physicality and is on pace for a career-high 144 hits this season. Additionally, Orlov is on pace for 82 blocked shots.

With Orlov out, Trevor van Riemsdyk took his place on that pairing. Meanwhile, Matt Irwin drew back in on the third pairing to fill TVR’s spot on the third pairing with Justin Schultz. Michal Kempny and Dennis Cholowski skated as the extras on Wednesday.

The Capitals next play on Friday against the St. Louis Blues. They have been using their time off to hold “mini training camp” style practices and work on systems, pacing and battles.