Untitled Page

Mike Green News & Rumors

Green transformed game after surgery
April 17
Washington Times
 
"Mike Green was the most prolific offensive defenseman in the NHL with back-to-back 70-point seasons starting in 2008-09. Now, he had gone 26 games without a goal, dating to Oct. 22. Yet he's playing top minutes for the Washington Capitals and is thriving. "I feel great," he said. "Probably the best I've felt in two years." It might not be quite the evolution of a former Norris Trophy finalist, but it's a positive sign in these playoffs that Green finally is starting to feel normal again. The offense hasn't been there since his return from sports hernia surgery, but he's healthy and that's significant."
Mike Green is getting used to playing in Capitals Coach Dale Hunter's system
March 22
Washington Post
 
"Frequent absences from the lineup have taken a toll on Mike Green's play this year, preventing him from developing consistency and prolonging his assimilation into the Washington Capitals' new system. But now that the 47 games he missed with injuries and a recent three-game suspension are behind him, there's evidence the 26-year-old defenseman has rediscovered his confidence and is finding his role under Coach Dale Hunter."
Mike Green 'in a good state right now with the game'
March 22
Washington Post
 columnist Katie Carrera
"Roughly two weeks ago, Mike Green acknowledged that his return to the lineup wasn't as seamless as he might have liked. He compared himself to a robot then, saying that his timing and instincts on the ice weren't where he wanted them to be. On Monday in the Capitals' 5-3 win over Detroit, though, Green had arguably his most solid overall game since returning to the lineup from sports hernia surgery on Feb. 18. Despite having to miss three games for a suspension that ended last week, the defenseman says he finally feels like he's back in a groove."
Caps' Mike Green says three-game suspension won't change the way he plays
March 15
Washington Post
 
"When Mike Green returns to the lineup, the Caps defenseman said he doesn't anticipate being more tentative because of the three-game suspension he finished serving Tuesday. He did, however, acknowledge that he'll likely use a little more discretion when delivering hits. Green was banned last week for his hit to the head of Tampa Bay's Brett Connolly. "It was an accident," Green reiterated after an informal skate Wednesday with teammates Jeff Halpern, John Erskine, Tomas Vokoun and Nicklas Backstrom. "I'm not going to change the way that I play. I didn't feel like I did anything vicious or anything like that.""
Mike Green discusses his three-game suspension
March 11
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green spoke with reporters during the second intermission of Saturday's game about the three-game suspension he received from the NHL for an illegal check to the head on Lightning forward Brett Connolly. A full transcript of his comments follows. Your reaction to the suspension? Green: "I was obviously disappointed, moreso that I wouldn't be playing. It is what it is. I understand their point. By no means did I intentionally do anything to harm anyone. It's just unfortunate for myself." What was your view of the play that developed and led to the hit? "I was just finishing my check, trying to separate him from the puck – pinch him off. It was just a hockey play, hockey read that I"
Mike Green suspended for 3 games
March 10
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Capitals have already played 47 games without Mike Green. Now they'll have to play three more, as the defenseman was suspended three games by the NHL on Friday for a shot to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brett Connolly. Green will miss Saturday's game at the Boston Bruins, Sunday's against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tuesday's at the New York Islanders. He will forfeit $85,135.14 in salary. The suspension comes as a result of Green's arm to the head of Connolly in the second period Tuesday night. "Connolly is carrying the puck behind the Washington net when he is angled and rubbed into the boards by Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov," NHL vice preseident of player"
Capitals' Mike Green is suspended three games by NHL for hit to head
March 10
Washington Post
 
"On the heels of a significant win, the Washington Capitals learned they will head into a weekend of back-to-back games without one of their top defensemen. The NHL handed Mike Green a three-game suspension Friday for his hit to the head on Tampa Bay's Brett Connolly. This is the second suspension of Green's career and will cause him to miss Saturday's game at the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins, Sunday's game against Toronto and another road game against the New York Islanders. The defenseman will forfeit $85,135.14 in salary. The good news is that because Green missed 47 games earlier this season with various injuries, playing without the two-time Norris Trophy finalist is"
Mike Green could face supplementary discipline for hit on Lightning winger
March 9
Washington Post
 
"Capitals defenseman Mike Green could face supplementary discipline for a hit he delivered on Tampa Bay rookie Brett Connolly in the middle of the second period of Thursday night's game. Dmitry Orlov was riding Connolly into the boards behind the Washington net when Green skated in and drove the upper portion of his left arm and shoulder into the Lightning winger's head 11 minutes 6 seconds into the period. Connolly dropped to the ice in a heap unable to stand but eventually skated off under his own power and would return to the game in the third period and play another 3:44. If you haven't seen the hit yet, check out the video below and resume reading."
Timing is everything as Mike Green struggles to find offense
March 8
Washington Times
 
"Nicklas Backstrom is the biggest missing piece for the Washington Capitals. Their chances of making the playoffs have eroded as the offense that runs through the center has hit a dam in his absence. But defenseman Mike Green's return to the lineup last month was supposed to spark something, given his ability to provide scoring from the back end. Instead, Green's first nine games back from sports hernia surgery have been a painful adjustment back into playing shape. "I'm just happy that I can play without any pain or whatnot. As far as getting my feel back, it's taken a lot longer," Green said Wednesday. "Sometimes you can lose a step or whatnot or your feel for the game, and it's taken me"
Mike Green says he felt 'really good' in first game back from surgery
February 19
Washington Post
 
"The Capitals received a welcome addition to their lineup tonight in the form of Mike Green, who played his first game since undergoing surgery to repair a small tear in his stomach lining on Jan. 17. Unfortunately for Washington, his presence wasn't enough on its own to propel the team to success against the Lightning, who captured a 2-1 win Saturday night. Green played 14 minutes 14 seconds and said afterward he felt "really good". "Took some time in the first period to get my feel back but I felt really good," said Green, who acknowledged that playing in a limited role altered his approach. "Obviously not used to that not only physically but mentally. That was the biggest challenge for"
Mike Green could return to Capitals' lineup this weekend
February 17
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green has gone through four days of lengthy practices — three with teammates — and twice took part in a full session with drills and contact. The defenseman is extremely close to making his return to the Capitals' lineup after undergoing surgery to repair a tear in his stomach lining back on Jan. 17. General Manager George McPhee said Green will travel with the team to Florida for the beginning of its four-game road trip and maintained that the two-time Norris Trophy finalist could be back in the mix in the next few days. "Could be this weekend, we'll see," McPhee said. "We discussed it a lot and we'll discuss it again tomorrow and see how he feels after today.""
Mike Green 'skating well' in first full session
February 16
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green was on the ice for the entirety of the Capitals' practice Wednesday, which stretched over an hour, marking his first time through a full session with his teammates since undergoing sports hernia surgery. While it's still unclear when exactly Green might be able to return to the lineup, his participation in the normal practice taking part in all drills including power play work is a good and welcome sign."
Mike Green on the ice for Capitals' practice
February 15
Washington Post
 
"After two lengthy workouts earlier this week, Mike Green is on the ice with the rest of the Capitals and taking part in a regular practice for the first time since undergoing sports hernia surgery back on Jan. 17. Green, who is nearing a return to the lineup, told reporters on Tuesday that he feels healthy for the first time in a long time. The defenseman has only appeared in 10 games this season, though, and knows he can't rush his rehabilitation. General Manager George McPhee recently estimated the defenseman could be back next week and maybe even as early as this weekend."
Mike Green upbeat, return to Capitals' lineup in sight
February 15
Washington Times
 
"Mike Green couldn't wipe the smile off his face. The elation was hard to hide. The Washington Capitals' defenseman four weeks removed from sports hernia surgery skated again Tuesday and appears on track to return to game action sooner rather than later. "I feel good. I really do. Today was a great judging point for me to where I'm at. And I feel good," a beaming Green said. "So it's just a matter of me getting back into shape and getting myself firing. But today I have a smile on my face. I haven't felt like this for a long time.""
Mike Green: 'I haven't felt like this for a long time'
February 15
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green was on the ice for another lengthy workout Tuesday, taking part in an optional skate for roughly 45 minutes at KCI as he continues taking steps toward a return to the lineup. Green has appeared in only 10 games this season because of various injuries, but following his workout the defenseman was noticeably chipper. "I feel good, I really do," Green said. "Today was a great judging point for me for where I'm at. It's just a matter of me getting into shape and getting myself firing, but today I have a smile on my face. I haven't felt like this for a long time.""
Green day could be next week for Caps
February 13
CSN Washington
 
"In what can only be classified as the most encouraging news of the season, Capitals defenseman Mike Green skated for more than an hour on Monday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex and could be a week away from returning to the lineup. Green underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia on Jan. 17 and was told he would need four to six weeks of rest and rehab before returning to game action. Tuesday marks the four-week anniversary of Green's surgery, and there is a very good chance the 26-year-old defenseman will join the Caps on their four-game road trip that takes them to Florida, Tampa, Carolina and Ottawa. "That's good," Capitals coach Dale Hunter said of Green's long practice. "He's feeling"
Mike Green doesn't skate Monday
February 6
Washington Times
 
"Mike Green was definitely making progress last week. He underwent successful sports hernia surgery on Jan. 17 and was back on the ice. He skated four days in a row and reported after Day Three to be moving along well. "Mentally I feel great. I have a progression of the injury," he said last Thursday. "At least I have an end date where I should be better and that's comforting. But physically I'm Day Three into being on the ice and today with equipment on. It's still early. But from the point of the surgery I'm two weeks in and on the right path.""
Caps' Green makes progress by skating after sports hernia surgery
February 3
Washington Times
 
"Mike Green is still some time away from returning to game action for the Washington Capitals. Sports hernia surgery on Jan. 17 ensured the defenseman would be out four to six more weeks after missing much of the season with nagging injuries. But this week Green made a big first step toward playing just his 11th game of the season by skating for three straight days."
Mike Green's recovery is 'on the right path'
February 3
Washington Post
 
"It's been a long, injury-filled season for Mike Green, but 16 days after he underwent sports hernia surgery, the defenseman appears to be on track with his latest recovery. Green skated for the third straight day on Thursday, which was also the first time he worked out in full pads and gear. While it's still in the early stages of his recovery, that the defenseman was able to get on the ice two weeks after going under the knife is most assuredly a positive sign."
Mike Green undergoes successful sports hernia surgery
January 21
Washington Times
 
"Mike Green flew to St. Louis to have sports hernia surgery because the Washington Capitals had a lot of familiarity with Dr. Michael Brunt. "This doctor has done some of our players in the past and done real well — Jamie Heward, Chris Clark," Capitals general manager George McPhee said. "We think he's the best at this particular surgery." It's a few days later, but it's worth noting that Green underwent successful surgery Tuesday afternoon and is now back resting in the D.C. area, a Caps spokesman said Friday afternoon. His time frame for a return to the lineup is four to six weeks. "They put some mesh in there to make the stomach lining stronger. It's been done a lot the last 10 or 15"
Capitals assistant Evason on what Mike Green can expect after sports hernia surgery
January 18
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green is scheduled this afternoon to undergo sports hernia surgery, a fairly common procedure in the hockey world. Among those who have undergone the procedure at some point in their career (thanks to stats guru Neil Greenberg for the data) are Brooks Orpik, Michael Del Zotto, Danny Briere, Kris Versteeg and Ed Jovanovski, while Islanders netminder Rick DiPietro is scheduled to have the surgery this week. Capitals assistant coach Dean Evason underwent the surgery during the 1998-99 season, the final year of his playing career, back when he was a member of Landshut EV in Germany."
Capitals defenseman Mike Green out until at least late February
January 17
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Capitals grew accustomed to playing without defenseman Mike Green early in the 2011-12 season, but on Monday they learned that they will be without the two-time Norris Trophy finalist until at least late February. The team announced that Green will undergo abdominal surgery and is expected to miss four to six weeks, with the later timeframe projecting to around the NHL's trade deadline on Feb. 27."
No timetable for Nicklas Backstrom or Mike Green to return
January 13
Washington Post
 
"Aside from the news about the 2012 NHL All-Star roster, it was a relatively quiet day at KCI on Thursday as the Capitals held an optional on-ice workout. With the team in a strenuous stretch of games nearly every other day leading up to the all-star break Jan. 26-30, only a handful of players took part in the skate. Those who did participate were: Michal Neuvirth, Alexander Semin, Marcus Johansson, Matt Hendricks, Mathieu Perreault, Jay Beagle, Dmitry Orlov, John Erskine, Tomas Kundratek and Jeff Schultz."
Capitals recall Cody Eakin put Mike Green on LTIR
January 13
Washington Times
 
"I-83, the main road from Hershey to Washington, used to be Karl Alzner's highway of choice when he shuttled up and down from the AHL to the NHL and back. Right now, it's Cody Eakin's, as the Washington Capitals recalled the forward yet again on Thursday. Mike Green (groin) was be placed on long term injured reserve, a team spokesman confirmed. Green is eligible to return Feb. 1. His $5.25 million cap hit comes off the books for the time being, giving the Caps significant flexibility."
Neither Nicklas Backstrom nor Mike Green practice with Capitals Sunday
January 9
Washington Post
 
"Neither Nicklas Backstrom nor Mike Green skated Sunday as the Capitals held one more practice in San Jose before departing for Los Angeles in the afternoon. While Coach Dale Hunter didn't offer any further update on Backstrom or Green, the Capitals appear to be bracing for the very real possibility that they will not have either in the lineup against the Kings, and possibly longer. Backstrom, who was scratched against the Sharks because of the head injury he suffered when elbowed by Rene Bourque, hasn't skated in the past two days in what has been a sharp contrast to the mood of both the center and Hunter after practice Friday morning in San Jose. At that time, both were optimistic that"
Mike Green leaves Capitals' game vs. Sharks with groin injury
January 8
Washington Times
 
"Not again. Again Mike Green was back from injury and again he had to leave a Washington Capitals game before its completion. This time it took just a game and a half, as the All-Star defenseman took just three shifts in the second, the last coming with 9:54 remaining in the period. Green took a hard hit from San Jose Sharks center Andrew Desjardins, but coach Dale Hunter said it was a groin problem that led to his departure. "It got a little tight, so we're being careful with him," Hunter said. "We took him and pulled him out.""
Mike Green set to return to Capitals' lineup against Flames
January 3
Washington Post
 
"After missing 23 consecutive games with a strained right groin muscle, Mike Green is expected to make his return to the Capitals' lineup Tuesday night as they host the Calgary Flames. Green has missed 29 of Washington's 37 games this season with injury, first a twisted right ankle and then the groin strain. "Finally," Green said after the morning skate. "It's been frustrating sitting out and obviously a couple months ago coming back and then the first game back, back on the press box. I'm just happy to be back, focused. Preparing to do the right things tonight and that's all that's on my mind right now.""
Mike Green eyeing return to Capitals' lineup next week
December 30
Washington Post
 
"On Thursday, Mike Green skated for a third consecutive day with his Capitals' teammates and with each successive day of practice the defenseman is inching closer to a return from a strained right groin muscle. Both Green and Coach Dale Hunter stressed caution when asked about defining a date for the two-time Norris Trophy finalist's return to the lineup but it's possible he could be back in the mix as early as next week. "I'll skate tomorrow again, see how I feel," Green said. "You never know. Maybe I could play [this weekend]. But it looks like next week."
Mike Green skates with Capitals for first time since suffering groin strain
December 28
Washington Post
 
"It was a welcome sight for the Capitals Tuesday as defenseman Mike Green took part in an entire 45-minute practice with the rest of the team for the first time since before he suffered a strained right groin muscle on Nov. 11. Green rotated through drills and even did some work with a power play unit in a day that offered some forward progress in his recovery. But despite the positive step, there remains no official timetable for Green's return and the 26-year-old acknowledged that this injury may have a lasting impact on his career. "I think I'm going to have to be cognizant of this for the rest of my career, probably," Green said. "It's something you've got to take care of, especially"
Mike Green back on the ice at KCI
December 19
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green is on the ice in full gear this morning, working out with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish ahead of the Capitals' team practice. Green, who has missed 17 consecutive games with a strained right groin muscle, has not skated since Dec. 8 when he slammed his stick into the boards as he went off the ice having sufferred a possible setback."
Mike Green travels with Capitals to Denver, but doesn't skate
December 18
Washington Times
 
"Just as the team promised, injured defenseman Mike Green joined the Washington Capitals in Colorado. But the plan was for him to skate, too — something that did not happen Saturday morning. Green, who missed his 17th straight game Saturday night with a strained right groin, saw a specialist this week and did some off-ice workouts at Pepsi Center. Coach Dale Hunter said Green's status hasn't changed. "I haven't seen him on the bench playing, but it just takes time. It will heal," Hunter said. "Time heals everything and it just takes time. It's something that you can't rush.""
Capitals willing to wait for ailing Green to heal
December 13
Washington Times
 
"It fell apart for the Washington Capitals under Bruce Boudreau when defenseman Mike Green hurt his ankle and couldn't play. Ex-assistant coach Bob Woods said Green's absence "disrupted" the team's success, and Boudreau had a tough time explaining how one injury contributed so heavily to his exit. "I don't want to put the onus on Mike getting hurt as our reason for being mediocre after that because I don't think any one man on any team should be the difference between winning and losing," Boudreau said after being fired as coach. The definition of mediocre might be the Caps' 7-12-1 record with Green out of the lineup, most recently 14 straight games with a strained right groin. He'll miss"
Injured Mike Green visits specialist
December 13
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green is out of town visiting with a specialist, presumably about the strained right groin muscle that has held him out of the lineup for 14 consecutive games. Coach Dale Hunter wouldn't elaborate when asked what type of doctor Green was seeing but said that the defenseman is expected to join the Capitals on the road later this week. Washington travels to Winnipeg for a game on Thursday then to Colorado to face the Avalanche on Saturday; the team would not say when Green would meet up with them. "It's day to day and he's getting better. It just takes time," Hunter said. "I think every player's been through it. It's a little frustrating because you can't play — it just takes time and"
Mike Green skating, but no timetable for defenseman's return
November 29
Washington Post
 
"In non-coaching related news, defenseman Mike Green skated twice in the past three days, marking the first times he's hit the ice since suffering a strained right groin muscle on Nov. 11 against New Jersey. While the Capitals' struggles can not be attributed solely to Green's absence, their downturn has correlated with his injury. Washington is 8-0-0 when the two-time Norris Trophy finalist is in the lineup and 4-9-1 when he is not."
Capitals adjust, again, to moving forward without Mike Green
November 15
Washington Post
 
"Playing games without Mike Green in the lineup has become something of a new normal for the Capitals, both 15 games into this season and for substantial amounts of time during the 2010-11 campaign. Green suffered a strained right groin muscle on Friday, according to a league source, in what was the defenseman's first game back after missing six straight contests with a right ankle injury. He won't travel with the team at least for the beginning of this week's three-game road trip."
Capitals' Mike Green day-to-day after leaving Devils game early
November 12
Washington Times
 
"This wasn't what anyone around the Washington Capitals wanted to see on the night of Mike Green's triumphant return to the lineup. He got tangled up with a Devils player late in the third period and skated gingerly off the ice. In his first game since suffering a right-ankle injury Oct. 22, Green tried to come back, and tried to test a new problem that eventually forced him out for good. But the positive word is that Bruce Boudreau is confident it's not a serious problem, and the Caps' coach added that Green did not aggravate his right ankle. "It's a different soreness. So at least it's not the ankle," he said. "That's good news." Green played an actual total of 7:10 Friday night in the"
Mike Green injured in Capitals' win over Devils
November 12
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green made an abbreviated return to the Capitals' lineup Friday night in their 3-1 win over New Jersey. In his first appearance in a game since suffering a right ankle injury on Oct. 22, Green was forced to leave the contest at Prudential Center after only 7 minutes 44 seconds of play. The good news is, Green didn't re-injure the ankle, according to Coach Bruce Boudreau, who said that this is not something he expects will keep the defenseman out for long. "It's a different soreness. So at least it's not the ankle. So that's good news," Boudreau said. "Yeah I'm pretty confident [it's not serious]. I talked to him already about it. It's a day-to-day thing, not a three-week day-to-day"
Mike Green participates fully in Wednesday's practice
November 10
Washington Post
 
"One surprise perhaps of the Capitals' day of battle drills and bag skates was that Mike Green, who has missed the past six games with an injured right ankle, participated fully in the entire hour and a half practice. He obviously didn't play a role in Washington's substandard effort against the Stars Tuesday night, but the defenseman wanted to be included in all the drills Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "It's a real positive," Boudreau said of Green taking part. "He did the battle drills, we tried to keep him out of it initially and he said no, he wanted to do it. Went right in and did it and said he is feeling stronger and stronger so that's a real positive sign.""
Committee approach working as Capitals' defense awaits Green's return
November 4
Washington Times
 
"On and off the ice, putting varying degrees of pressure on his injured right ankle, Mike Green doesn't look comfortable. "It's just one of those things with the ankles and your skate," he said. "If I cant skate, I can't play." Green's level of skating hasn't been consistent this week, and Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau ruled his All-Star defenseman out for Friday night's game at the Carolina Hurricanes. It would seem to be a stretch to think he could play Saturday night at the New York Islanders, either."
Capitals' Mike Green unlikely to play Friday; Troy Brouwer not ruled out against 'Canes
November 4
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau said that both Mike Green (twisted right ankle) and Troy Brouwer (right shoulder) will travel with the Capitals on their two-game, back-to-back road trip this weekend but it's still uncertain how much game time either will see. Boudreau said it's unlikely that Green, who has already missed three consecutive games, will play Friday against the Hurricanes. The defenseman has skated lightly each of the past three days but has been unable to fully take part in the past nine practices."
Mike Green suffers apparent setback Wednesday
November 3
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green suffered an apparent setback in his recovery from a twisted right ankle Wednesday when he was unable to skate for more than 10 minutes. Coach Bruce Boudreau said he was doubtful the defenseman would be able to play Friday in Carolina, given that he has yet to practice with the full group. "If I feel good I'll play," Green said. "It's day to day. I wake up each day, it feels a little bit better, tomorrow could be a lot better than today."
Capitals' Mike Green skates for first time since twisting ankle on Oct. 22
November 2
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green skated for the first time since Oct. 22 Tuesday after twisting his right ankle against the Detroit Red Wings. The defenseman said he felt good but that there's still no timetable for his return. "Felt good. Day to day here but today was a good day for me. I finally got out there, so hopefully be back soon," said Green, who was asked if he might be ready for this weekend's back-to-back games against Carolina and the Islanders. "If I feel good enough to play, I'll play. There's no date set yet, I want to make sure I take care of it.""
Mike Green expected to miss Tuesday's game
November 1
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green missed his seventh straight day of on-ice activity Tuesday since twisting his ankle against Detroit, and barring a "miracle" the star defenseman won't be in the lineup against the Ducks, either. If Green does not suit up, he'll miss his third straight contest. The Caps are 0-2-0 without their ice time leader and the power play is 1 for 8 without its quarterback. "He's improving," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "He's just not going on the ice yet. Suffice it to say he probably won't be playing tomorrow unless we have a miracle.""
Mike Green misses Capitals practice in Edmonton
October 27
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green didn't skate for a third straight day today with a twisted right ankle, and Coach Bruce Boudreau didn't sound optimistic when asked if the two-time Norris Trophy finalist would be ready to face the Oilers. "Doesn't look good for tomorrow," Boudreau said. "He didn't go on the ice today. He's on the trip and he's going to skate tomorrow morning, so let's hope for the best.""
Mike Green will travel with Capitals to Edmonton, Vancouver, Boudreau says
October 26
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau said Mike Green will travel with the Capitals on their trip to Edmonton and Vancouver. Boudreau added that they hope Green will be able to skate Wednesday when the Capitals practice at Rexall Place. Green has missed two consecutive practices with a twisted right ankle that he suffered against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. The injury occurred on the same play in which the defenseman was hit in the jaw by the puck late in the first period."
Caps' Green has twisted ankle, expects to play vs. Oilers
October 25
Washington Times
 
"The absence of Mike Green as the Capitals returned to the ice following an off day was curious at best. He took a puck to the chin Saturday night, and with his concussion history, it seemed too much to be a coincidence. But then coach Bruce Boudreau confirmed Green's off-day wasn't related to the puck he took to the face. "He's OK. He had a couple bumps and bruises from the last game," Boudreau said. "We just decided with a couple days of practice still available to us, there's no sense rushing him.""
Agent: Mike Green twisted right ankle Saturday vs. Red Wings
October 24
Washington Post
 
"Mike Green twisted his ankle against the Detroit Red Wings Saturday night, according to his agent, Craig Oster. Apparently, the injury occurred on the same play as when he was hit in the jaw by the puck, but Green continued to play on the twisted ankle for the rest of the contest. When the defenseman took the skate off, though, his ankle swelled, Oster said. "It was still swollen today, so he stayed off the ice," Oster said, adding that he was optimistic Green would play on Thursday in Edmonton."
Washington wins its opener on overtime goal by Mike Green
October 9
Washington Post
 
"Moments before the Washington Capitals began their 2011-12 season Saturday night, while neither team was on the ice, a banner unceremoniously dropped from the Verizon Center rafters. It commemorated last year's Southeast Division championship, the fourth straight for the Capitals, but the minimal fanfare made clear this is no longer the franchise's goal. Washington began its latest pursuit of more than regular season success with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Mike Green's power-play goal. The tally, which redirected off an opposing defender's shin pad before beating goaltender Brian Boucher through the five-hole, wasn't a candidate for any best-of highlight reel."
Mike Green is eager to make up for lost time with the Capitals
September 19
Washington Post
 
"Until the 2010-11 campaign, Mike Green had never experienced a year of his professional career so wrecked and ravaged by injury. First it was his shoulder, his knee and a pair of concussions that limited him to only 49 regular season games. When he finally returned in the playoffs, a hip-flexor injury forced him out again. The Washington Capitals' flashy defenseman, fresh off two consecutive Norris Trophy nominations, hardly had a chance to develop any kind of rhythm. "It was just a frustrating season," Green said. "I've never been in that position before when I've been out so many games, in and out of the lineup. It was hard to get a flow throughout the season, I'm used to playing every"