The Capitals finally boast a clean bill of health heading out of the break, a rarity that's got the locker room buzzing for the first time in ages. McMichael sits on target to rejoin the lineup soon, giving coach Spott key depth options as Washington pushes for playoff positioning. Front offices around the league note how this wellness wave could spark a run, especially with trade whispers quieting down in D.C.

Washington Capitals get a playoff lifeline as Connor McMichael and Charlie Lindgren return to the lineup, sparking a surge in their postseason odds. The Caps operate on zero margin in the tight standings, and these key returns could flip their season from fringe to fearsome. GMs around the league watch closely, knowing health swings fortunes in February.

The Washington Capitals hit the ice for their first optional skate since the NHL's Olympic break, and the big news is Connor McMichael and Charlie Lindgren joining the group after their respective injuries sidelined them before the pause. McMichael, who's been week-to-week with an upper-body issue since late January, donned a non-contact jersey but looked sharp, while Lindgren went full-go after missing four games with a lower-body tweak that forced some awkward roster juggling down in Hershey.