>>> Andre Burakovsky skated with the team for the first time since sustaining a right hand injury against the Red Wings on Feb. 9.
The 22-year-old forward did not travel with the Capitals on their three-game road trip this past week, but he has been skating regularly to get back in game shape. On Tuesday, he did shooting drills at the beginning and end of practice. He did not, however, participate in any line rushes or drills including contact.
Burakovsky did not wear any kind of cast on the outside of his glove, but his right hand was still wrapped underneath it. He saw a doctor yesterday, spoke with head athletic trainer Greg Smith on Tuesday, and thinks returning next week is not out of the question.
Capitals Coach Barry Trotz said there is no updated timetable for Burakovsky’s return.
“I feel pretty good,†Burakovsky said after Tuesday’s morning skate. “I mean I still got some issues with my hand, obviously it’s going to be like that for a while, but first skate today with the team and I felt pretty good. I had a couple issues before with shooting the puck and stuff like that but it was a lot better today. It’s definitely going in the right direction here.â€
Burakovsky said his stickhandling feels “really good,†and that he still sometimes feels uncomfortable shooting and carrying the puck with one hand. He said he could barely shoot the puck on Saturday before his shot felt “pretty good†Tuesday, marking another step toward an awaited return.
“It’s day-by-day,†Burakovsky said. “Some days it feels a lot better and some days it don’t. But like I said, lately I’ve been feeling way better when I get up in the morning.â€