Capitals' Green misses second straight practice, expected to kill penalties upon return

Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green missed his second straight practice Sunday due to an upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day by the team, according to the Washington Post. 

Prior to the injury, Green saw almost two minutes of ice time on the penalty kill during Friday's preseason game against the Boston Bruins, a role head coach Barry Trotz sees the more offensively-minded defenseman taking on this season.

“I think Mike’s very capable,” Trotz said. “One thing he has is great hand skills. Around the net, you can do some good things breaking out pucks and he’s got a good stick and he’s quick. Should be able to do that. The more he works with (assistant) Todd (Reirden) and some of his short game around the net, we can get that a little cleaner, he can be very effective, yes.”

Green saw only 32 minutes on the penalty kill last season, well behind the likes of teammates John Carlson and Karl Alzner, who played 291 and 274 minutes respectively in man-down situations last season.

Trotz also encouraged Green to make an equipment change in order to be more effective in his own zone.

"At times you’re going to have to block shots ... That’s why Mike Green changed his skates,” Trotz continued. “I told him I thought he could kill some penalties, and at times you’re going to have to block a shot. You want to protect yourself and your core, you have to make the necessary changes and he did."

Things are clearly going to be different in Washington under Trotz, and Green could certainly benefit from an off day as he adjusts to his more physically demanding role on the blue line.