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Caps’ Orlov (finally) set to return to game action

New York Islanders v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Dmitry Orlov #81 of the Washington Capitals watches the game from the bench against the New York Islanders at the Verizon Center on February 28, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Dmitry Orlov will appear in his first game action of the season when he suits up for the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears.

The Washington Capitals formally assigned the defenseman to the AHL club on a conditioning assignment on Friday morning.

Orlov has not played since suffering a wrist injury during last year’s World Hockey Championships.

“It’s been tough for me, a grind,” Orlov said this week. “There are times I want to say, ‘I’m done.’ It’s hard to be all the time positive. … But my parents and girlfriend tell me this is a negative time of your life and you need to keep away from this and be positive. They help keep my mind to be good.”

The 23-year-old had three goals, 11 points and a minus-1 rating while averaging 19:36 in time on ice in 54 games last season.

Orlov, who has been practicing with Hershey this week, is allowed to appear in three AHL games while on his conditioning assignment.

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