January 8, 2008

Clark Returns to Practice

The following article featuring former Clarkson standout Chris Clark appeared in the January 8 issue of The Washington Post.

By Tarik El-Bashir

Washington Capitals captain Chris Clark returned to practice after missing almost six weeks because of a groin muscle injury, a sure sign that the rugged right wing is closer to rejoining the lineup. But the other injury news was not nearly as encouraging for the Capitals, who likely will remain short-handed as they open a crucial five-game homestand tomorrow against the Colorado Avalanche.

Veteran center Michael Nylander, who has been playing with a shoulder injury, was held out of practice yesterday while wing Matt Pettinger left the ice after just a few minutes. Coach Bruce Boudreau referred all questions about them to General Manager George McPhee, who was unavailable to comment. Later in the day, a Capitals spokesman said both are expected to play against the Avalanche, but he did not provide any additional information on either player's condition, which did little to quash concerns that Nylander's shoulder is worse than the team has disclosed.

Also absent from practice were Tom Poti and former Rensselaer defenseman Brian Pothier, the Capitals' No. 1 and No. 4 defensemen. Poti, the team's leader in ice time, has missed two games because of an upper body injury that's held him out of the lineup twice this season, while Pothier is believed to have suffered his second concussion in a year when he was crushed along the boards Thursday in Boston by Milan Lucic. Both are officially listed as day-to-day because of upper body injuries.

Complete article can be accessed via the Post Web site by clicking here.