Guys Working Hard, Having Fun at Practice

The Caps faced a tough loss against the LA Kings on Thursday, just their fourth of the season at Verizon Center. Afterward, they faced a tremendous amount of criticism of their play, from within and outside the team. Still, they showed up for practice Friday morning with the enthusiasm of a group of guys who love what they do. Judging by the smiles all around, the players had fun at practice. Hopefully, they will carry that positive attitude into the game against Florida on Saturday. (c) Sharon Taylor

Brooks Laich, suffering from a lower leg contusion incurred while blocking a shot in the Kings game, and Viktor Kozlov, suffering from a groin injury, did not practice, along with Chris Clark (who had surgery on his forearm yesterday) and Brent Johnson (who will have hip surgery soon). Karl Alzner has been recalled from Hershey and practiced with the team.