Capitals defenseman John Carlson (center) — out six games with a “lower body injury” — is one of the players Washington hopes to have back on his feet by the end of the all-star break. But the Capitals were eager for the all-star break, hopeful it would help them get some much-needed rest after a packed schedule to start the season. Washington will get another break in two weeks, when the team gets a five-day bye week, something new in the NHL this season. But Washington isn’t worried about history repeating itself, instead focusing on what the rest can do for the Capitals going forward. A January snowstorm caused two games to be postponed and that, coupled with the all-star break, meant Washington played just two games in two weeks.

Source: Washington Post January 28, 2017 18:07 UTC