New York Islanders forward Mikhail Grabovski hasn’t played in two months, but it’s very likely he suits up in Game 5 against the Washington Capitals Thursday night.
“There’s a real good chance,” Islanders head coach Jack Capuano told reporters Wednesday. “We’ve got some decisions to make. Does he play in the middle or does he play wing? Those are decisions that we have to sit down this afternoon and go over. You’ll probably see some changes in our lineup, but where they play and who plays with who … we’ve got to have four lines that are balanced.”
Grabovski has missed the Islanders’ last 28 games after suffering a concussion on Feb. 19 against the Nashville Predators.
“I feel good right now,” Grabovski said on NHL.com. “I’ve had a good three months of skating. I don’t know exactly what the decision is. Personally, I’m ready to go, but they need to talk to doctors and the coach, all together about me.”
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The veteran forward registered nine goals and 10 assists in 51 games in his first season with the Islanders. He signed a four-year deal as a free agent last summer.
The best-of-seven series is tied at two after Washington won Game 4 in overtime Tuesday.