Nic Dowd, Brandon Duhaime, and Justin Sourdif to line up as trio for first time this preseason: 'It'll be nice to try and develop a little chemistry'

""Nice to get back to work and excited to get back in the swing of things," Dowd said Saturday morning."

""We'll work some things out tonight, I'm sure. I haven't (not) played a game in two weeks at any point throughout the season, whether or not it's game six of exhibition or game 60 of the regular season. You take two weeks off, you're going to have to be smart about how you play and manage your shifts, but that's what exhibition is for. It's always the goal to go out there and have a great game, put your best effort forward, and move that into the regular season.""

""I've only been able to play with him two or three times now in practice, but he's got a lot of speed, smart kid," Dowd said. "I think he's smart defensively, wants to make the right plays, so it'll be good. This is our first game together, so it'll be nice to try and develop a little chemistry.""

Nic Dowd rejoined on-ice activity after leaving training camp for personal and family reasons and will return to the Capitals' preseason lineup Saturday. He participated in an individual skills session with coach Kenny McCudden earlier in the week. Dowd previously played 14:16 in Boston, recording one hit and one blocked shot, and will skate again with Brandon Duhaime while Justin Sourdif replaces Ethen Frank on the fourth line. Sourdif, 23, was traded from the Florida Panthers and is expected to move into a full NHL role after limited prior appearances. Dowd emphasized smart shift management after time off and using exhibition games to regain form.

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