Pierre-Luc Dubois Rejoins Caps Practice Ahead of Kraken Matchup
The Washington Capitals received a significant boost during Monday’s practice as forward Pierre-Luc Dubois participated fully for the first time since undergoing surgery on his abdominal and adductor muscles. Dubois, who has been sidelined for 42 games, is working towards returning to the ice in time for the Capitals’ matchup against the Seattle Kraken.
Pierre-Luc Dubois’ Road to Recovery
Dubois, who has played only six games this season, was cleared for contact drills, signaling progress in his recovery. He had a standout season in 2024-25, scoring 66 points, including 20 goals and 46 assists, his most productive campaign in the NHL.
Potential Return Before Olympic Break
While it remains unclear if Dubois will play against the Kraken, head coach Spencer Carbery noted that the forward showed impressive performance during practice. Initially, team officials projected Dubois would not be ready until after the Olympic break, which would be post-February 25, when the Capitals host the Philadelphia Flyers.
Capitals’ Recent Form and Upcoming Challenges
The Capitals are currently experiencing a rough patch, with a 1-4-1 record in their last six games. Their latest efforts included a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames but ended in a narrow 6-5 overtime loss against the Edmonton Oilers. The team led the game late but couldn’t hold on to the advantage.
- Key players for the Capitals against the Oilers included:
- Connor McMichael: 1 goal, 1 assist
- Justin Sourdif: 1 goal, 1 assist
- John Carlson: 2 assists
- Tom Wilson: 2 assists
Upcoming Matchup: Capitals vs. Kraken
This will be the second and last meeting between the Capitals and the Kraken this season. In their previous encounter on October 21, Washington secured a 4-1 victory at home, supported by performances from Nic Dowd and Aliaksei Protas.
The Seattle Kraken are also looking to improve, having recently defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-2. Captain Jordan Eberle shone in that match, contributing with a goal and an assist. Rookie Berkly Catton, who has scored five times in the last 11 games, is also emerging as a key player for Seattle.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Pierre-Luc Dubois in practice is a promising sign for the Capitals as they navigate a challenging spell. With the team striving for improved performance, Dubois’ potential return could be pivotal in their quest for playoff positioning.
