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Caps injury update: Green possible vs. Stars, Beagle doubtful, Orpik out

Calgary Flames v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 04: Mike Green #52 of the Washington Capitals reacts during the second period of an NHL game against the Calgary Flames at Verizon Center on November 4, 2014 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHLI via Getty Images

Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz updated the media on the laundry list of injuries currently plaguing his hockey club.

The good news is defenseman Mike Green, who suffered an upper body injury in the Caps 6-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on the weekend, is a possibility tonight when Washington hosts the Dallas Stars.

Green missed the Capitals 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Wednesday.

“I want to be able to play, play heavy, play strong, play firm,” Green told The Washington Post. “If I can’t, then waiting one more day there where I can makes more sense. Especially this time of the season.

“I just want to be ready for that. The injury I had last game, just needs a few days and we’ll be good.”

Forward Jay Beagle, who absorbed a hit from Rangers’ defenseman Dan Girardi on Wednesday is “very doubtful” for tonight’s game according to Trotz.

Alex Prewitt reports Beagle was favoring his left shoulder following the hit.

“I think he thought with the injury he’s got, it’d be better served to shut him down right now, or [Wednesday] night, I should say, then give him a better chance to come back quicker,” Trotz said. “At the end of the day, we always think about the player first. I don’t think it’ll be too long. It’s not something that’s weeks. It won’t be too long.”

Defenseman Brooks Orpik missed his first game of the season on Wednesday after aggravating a lower body injury during practice on Tuesday. Orpik did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play tonight.

“I expect him to probably maybe possibly skate [Friday] on his own,” said Trotz. “That’s the last thing I’ve heard. I think that’s the plan, that he’ll probably skate tomorrow. He’s not going to play.”

Dmitry Orlov, who has not played this season while recovering from wrist surgery, is expected to finally get game action soon.

The 23-year-old will likely be sent to Hershey of the American Hockey League for a conditioning assignment.

“That’s something we’re talking about with Dmitry on a more regular basis than we have in the past,” he said. “I probably would say that you could expect something in the near future.”

John Erskine skated for the first time on Thursday following neck surgery in October. The defenseman skated on his own for roughly 30 minutes, but is still experiencing pain.

Forward Michael Latta (upper body) is questionable for tonight.

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