Islanders' Grabovski set to return for Game 5 against Caps

WASHINGTON (AP) New York Islanders center Mikhail Grabovski has been activated off the injured list and will play in Game 5 of the team's playoff series against the Washington Capitals.

Islanders coach Jack Capuano says Grabovski will be in the lineup Thursday night. The first-round series is tied 2-2.

Grabovski hasn't appeared in a game since Feb. 19, missing the last 23 games of the regular season with what the team says is an upper-body injury.

Says Capuano: ''He was itching to get in there. ... He brings some speed and deception to his game and can back off the opposition with his speed.''

Grabovski had nine goals and 10 assists in his first season with New York. He had 13 goals and 22 assists for the Capitals last season.