HabsWorld.net -- 

Saku Koivu, who is recovering from a sprained knee suffered during training camp, had his first full-contact practice with the team on Monday.

He won’t be ready for the game against Washington, but hopes to be back later this week. He will be wearing a new knee brace when he returns.

Steve Bégin and Francis Bouillon have pronounced themselves healthy and available for the home opener, but Claude Julien is unlikely to change the lineup that played a near-flawless game vs. Toronto on Saturday for the team’s first win.

Niklas Sundstrum who had suffered a minor shoulder injury vs. Ottawa, will miss his second consecutive game.

Jose Theodore will get the start in nets, vs. backup goaltender Sebastien Charpentier for Washington… giving Olaf Kolzig a break on what will be a 2nd game in as many nights for the Capitals, they tied the Maple Leafs 2-2 yesterday.

Washington will be missing a few players for tonight’s game:

– Mike Grier was suspended for one game for elbowing Robert Reichel last night in a game vs. the Maple Leafs.

– Jean-Francois Fortin was recalled to replace Brendan Witt who was lost to a concussion after falling head first into the board in Saturday’s game vs. Atlanta. 

Update: Sundstrom is dressed after all, taking Dwyer’s spot on the 4th line.

P.S. Reports suggest Caron will get the call for Pittsburgh on Thursday… not the impressive rookie Marc-André Fleury.