Wojtek Wolski News

Martin Erat won't be in the Washington Capitals ' lineup for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals Friday against the New York Rangers after suffering an apparent left wrist or forearm injury in Game 4. Erat was injured in the first period Wednesday when he fell on his wrist while getting tangled up with teammate Alex Ovechkin .

Tom Wilson could make his NHL debut for the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals Friday, judging from line rushes at Thursday's practice.

Capitals forward Brooks Laich participated in the team's morning skate at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday morning.

Joel Ward will play for the Washington Capitals in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the New York Rangers on Thursday night after missing almost a month with a bruised left knee.

The Noon Number: 7 - Number of players on the current rosters who have appeared in all 19 Capitals - Rangers playoff games between 2009 and 2012.

After 48 games exclusively against Eastern Conference opponents, the Washington Capitals acknowledged there was no avoiding a familiar foe in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

Joel Ward took part in the Washington Capitals' morning skate Thursday but is not expected to play against the Ottawa Senators.

The Washington Capitals re-signed right wing Eric Fehr and tough guy Aaron Volpatti to two-year contracts, the team announced Wednesday.