Capitals Notebook: Milano Taking Big Strides, Dubois & Carlson Strong As Informal Skates Continue
The Capitals continue to put work in ahead of the season with informal skates.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals hockey is back — sort of.
John Carlson, with the help of goaltending coach Scott Murray, is helping lead informal skates ahead of training camp, with several players making their way back to the District to work out and get some on-ice work in before the season kicks off.
On Thursday, Logan Thompson, Sonny Milano and Pierre-Luc Dubois joined Carlson on the ice in what was ultimately a lighter early morning skate for the group, and there were quite a few positives to take away for the group.
First off, Milano is not just healthy, but in peak form going into training camp. The 29-year-old, who missed all but three games last season amid a lingering upper-body injury and later setback, looks confident and capable on the ice. He’s prioritizing his speed and shot, and also showcased that wicked vision that makes him exciting to watch.
It’s going to be a long road back for Milano, who faces heavy competition coming into camp, but from the looks of his performance, he’s ready to prove his worth.
Meanwhile, Carlson and Dubois look like they’re also in top form after having an entire offseason to rehabilitate and train. Both were strong on their skates and fluid and quick in their movements, while Carlson showed off his heavy point shot and Dubois demonstrated his quick hands.
Thompson was also agile and in high spirits, and it doesn’t seem like time has fazed him as he remains in the top form he was in all last season.
Informal skates will continue to fill up in the coming weeks, with more and more players returning to the area, including Alex Ovechkin in early September. Matt Roy and Nic Dowd are also back in town, and a handful of NCAA players, unrestricted free agents and former Capitals, including Lars Eller, have also taken part in the sessions.