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The Washington Capitals had a dog day afternoon

Marcus Johansson, Alexander Semin, Mike Knuble

Washington Capitals center Marcus Johansson, center, of Sweden, celebrates with teammates Alexander Semin (28) of Russia and Mike Knuble (22) after scoring on Detroit Red Wings goalie Ty Conklin (29) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, in Washington. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

AP

One of the best blogs in the business not called ProHockeyTalk is the Washington Post’s Capitals Insider, authored by Katie Carrera and Tarik El-Bashir. They bring you anything and everything from the world of the Washington Capitals -- and today was no exception.

Several Caps players brought their dogs to practice for a photo shoot with the Washington Animal Rescue League, and Caps Insider was all over it. Reports indicate Mike Green, Dennis Wideman and Nicklas Backstrom were just a few of the players that took part -- Jeff Halpern took his puppy onto the ice, Michael Neuvirth walked his dog, Tractor, through the dressing room while Bruce Boudreau swatted Alex Semin with a rolled-up newspaper. (*Jokes*)

In non-canine related activity, Green missed his second straight practice today with a bum ankle. He injured the ankle during the first period of Saturday’s win over Detroit, but will travel to Vancouver and Edmonton with the team for their Western road swing.

And since we already mentioned Neuvirth (and his good buddy Tractor, a Shar-Pei) -- Boudreau dropped a few hints that suggest he might get the start Thursday against the Oilers at Rexall Place. Neuvirth hasn’t played since the season opener, party due to a bruised foot and partly due to the fact Tomas Vokoun has been on fire.