Capitals Training Camp Notebook: Fehervary, Samsonov Skate, Final Decisions Loom

The Washington Capitals’ training camp session on Thursday resembled more of a morning skate. The team kicked things off with line rushes featuring the likely arsenal we could see deployed against the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday.

Defenseman Martin Fehervary skated at practice for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury against the Devils. The Slovak defenseman did not finish the game and also missed Wednesday’s skate.

Fehervary was an active participant in Thursday’s practice, wearing a regular jersey and going full speed. The 22-year-old got the opportunity to skate on the top defensive pairing alongside John Carlson. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll play Friday, but it doesn’t seem like a serious injury as he continues to battle for a spot with the Capitals.

“I mean I’m still trying to do my job, you know? Every day battle hard, work hard, compete and try to show that I work this place and that spot,” Fehervary said. “I want to be NHL player and just trying to do my job every day and show everyone.”

Here’s what the lines look like:

Forwards:

Alex Ovechkin-Evgeny Kuznetsov-Tom Wilson

Daniel Sprong-Lars Eller-Anthony Mantha

Conor Sheary-Hendrix Lapierre-T.J. Oshie

Carl Hagelin-Nic Dowd-Garnet Hathaway

Beck Malenstyn-Connor McMichael-Garrett Pilon

Defensemen:

Martin Fehervary-John Carlson

Michal Kempny-Justin Schultz

Dmitry Orlov-Nick Jensen

Trevor van Riemsdyk-Matt Irwin

Goalies:

Ilya Samsonov/Vitek Vanecek/Zach Fucale

Samsonov made it through the entire practice, but Laviolette still doesn’t have an answer for whether or not he’ll play tomorrow. He, Vitek Vanecek and Zach Fucale were also all working off-ice together after practice. It’s unclear who will start/dress vs. Philly.

Lapierre will draw in for Connor McMichael on Friday, skating on the third line in another veteran lineup. The 19-year-old has been stellar through training camp and has five assists through three preseason games so far.

READ MORE ON WHN: McMichael, Lapierre Have Healthy Dynamic Amid Capitals Competition

That game will be a good test for him, as he continues to compete with McMichael, who Laviolette thought looked solid last night, for a spot in the lineup with Nicklas Backstrom sidelined.

Lapierre and Oshie were also working on tips and different net-front scenarios, something the 34-year-old was happy to help him out with.

“We talked about the difference in the curves and just some little things. He went out there and worked on tips, the play we’re working on there, you know, it might not happen for 10 games, but it’s just nice in those situations… that’s what you love seeing young guys do, you like seeing them observe and learn and want to learn. He and Mikey have done a really good job with that this camp.”

Looking at the roster with camp winding down, Laviolette said the focus is now shifting toward the veteran lineup. Taking that into account, it sounds like the team is closing in on their opening night roster.