With Brooks Orpik set to return from his three-game suspension tonight in Pittsburgh, the Washington Capitals have apparently decided to keep defenseman Taylor Chorney in the lineup, while sitting Nate Schmidt.
Per CSN Washington, the Caps practiced yesterday with Karl Alzner paired with Matt Niskanen, Orpik with John Carlson, and Dmitry Orlov with Chorney.
Schmidt, 24, took just 13 shifts in Saturday’s 3-1 victory. He also had a costly turnover in Game 3 that led to the Penguins’ winning goal.
In Chorney, Caps coach Barry Trotz has an older player with a bit more experience.
“He’s gone through a few more life experiences,” Trotz told reporters. “He’s gone through a few playoffs and those all help. They’re very important at this time.”
Related: It looks like Olli Maatta will be back for Game 6 as well