Recovering from a lower-body injury, defenseman John Carlson practiced with the Washington Capitals on Thursday morning and appeared to participate fully, but Capitals Coach Barry Trotz said it’s “doubtful” Carlson will play against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.
“We’ll see where he is tomorrow,” Trotz said. “It’s a good step: He’s on the ice with us for the first time.”
Carlson, the team’s top defenseman entering the season, hasn’t played since Dec. 26, missing 12 straight games. He skated with the team for the first time Tuesday morning during their morning skate in Columbus. Carlson, who spoke for the first time since he was put on injured reserve, said he doesn’t know what the time-frame for him to play is and “it’s not that easy to get back in the swing of things.