Laviolette Shares Update On Oshie, Orlov Before Capitals Preseason Finale

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette said there was reason to be positive on Saturday, as both T.J. Oshie and Dmitry Orlov took part in the team’s optional morning skate on Saturday.

Both were in blue non-contact jerseys but appeared to be in full swing, skating, stickhandling and shooting while taking part in drills with their teammates. Lars Eller, who missed Friday’s skate due to illness, also skated. They will not play on Saturday, though.

“Next steps in the process so the fact that they’re out here participating and getting in a good workout, that’s really good for us,” Laviolette said. “Hopefully continues to go that way.”

As for the status of the home opener, Laviolette kept things open to interpretation.

“Yeah it’s still day-to-day but they’re out here. We got a game and practice tomorrow and then one more practice before that,” Laviolette said. “We’ll see where everything’s at, see how they’re feeling and then make decisions.”

READ MORE ON WHN: Washington Capitals Roster, Game Notes vs. CBJ

Oshie was hurt in the second period of Wednesday’s preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings. He took a strange hit from Joe Veleno along the boards and went down hard, appearing to have injured his shoulder. He skated off under his own power but did not return.

No. 77 had a rough go of it last year with injuries. Still, in just 44 games, he had 25 points.

For Orlov, it isn’t clear what the injury is or when it was sustained. He did finish the whole game Wednesday, but did not skate Thursday or Friday.