Capitals RW Clark eyes return

Jan 13, 2008 - 7:13 AM ARLINGTON, Virginia (Ticker) -- The Washington Capitals may receive a boost in their lineup for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Captain Chris Clark, who has been sidelined for six weeks with a groin injury, may be ready to return for Washington, which has won four of its last five games. In addition, defenseman Tom Poti could play on Sunday after missing the Capitals' last three games with a shoulder injury.

"Right now, I'd say Clark is very close and Tom is very close," Washington coach Bruce Boudreau said after Saturday's practice. "They both might go (on Sunday). We'll make a game-time decision. But that's a good sign."

Clark, who signed a three-year contract extension this past summer, has five goals, three assists and 43 penalty minutes in 17 games this season.

The 31-year-old registered career highs of 30 goals and 24 assists in 74 games last campaign. Clark has collected 55 tallies and 101 points in two-plus campaigns with the Capitals, who acquired him from the Calgary Flames prior to the 2005-06 season.

A third-round pick of Calgary in 1994, the native of South Windsor, Connecticut has amassed 90 goals and 82 assists in 447 career games with the Flames and Capitals.

Poti, who also practiced on Friday, has 12 assists in 34 contests this season.