The Washington Capitals could have defenseman Brooks Orpik in the lineup for Thursday’s Winter Classic, however it appears he’ll be a game-time decision.
According to Capitals’ coach Barry Trotz, Orpik will take the pre-game skate and then make a decision just before puck drop in tomorrow’s big event against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.
Brooks is pro enough to know whether he can help the team or hurt the team,” said Trotz, as per CSN Washington. “If he feels he’s not there and he might hurt us he will definitely be honest and say to me, ‘Hey, I’ve got to bypass this one. He’s that quality of a guy.”
Orpik suffered a knee injury on Monday against the New York Islanders. He was originally listed as doubtful for the Winter Classic.