Capitals D Green, C Fedorov return to lineup

Dec 13, 2008 - 12:54 AM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Washington Capitals got two of their most valuable assets back on Friday.

Defenseman Mike Green and veteran center Sergei Fedorov made their return to the lineup for Washington's game against the Ottawa Senators.

Green, who had missed 12 games with a shoulder injury suffered when he was checked by Anaheim's Chris Pronger on November 19, told the Washington Post on Thursday he woke up without pain or stiffness for the first time since getting hurt.

"It's strong," Green told the newspaper. "I can shoot and it doesn't hurt, so I have full strength, full rotation."

The 23-year-old Green entered Friday having collected seven goals and nine assists in 18 games this season. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Green was selected 29th overall in 2004 by Washington.

Green has recorded 28 goals and 59 assists in 192 games over his four-year career with the Capitals.

Fedorov returned after missing 16 of Washington's previous 17 games with a sprained ankle. The 38-year-old former Hart Trophy winner has registered four goals and five assists in 13 contests this season.

An 18-year veteran, Fedorov has collected 476 goals and 679 assists in 1,209 career games with the Detroit Red Wings, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Columbus Blue Jackets and Capitals.