Dmitri Orlov in his full cage for Feb. 7 game. (Photo by Cheryl Nichols)
The Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman Dmitry Orlov from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL). Orlov has not played in an NHL game since April 7, 2012. He played 60 games in his rookie season last year, but was a healthy scratch for the playoffs under then-head coach Dale Hunter.
Orlov missed three months of action with concussion symptoms after getting hurt in Hershey’s game at Verizon Center in December.
Orlov, 21, has recorded 12 points (one goal, 11 assists) and 16 penalty minutes in 22 games with Hershey this season and has tallied three assists in his last two AHL contests. He collected 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) and 18 penalty minutes in 60 games with the Capitals during his rookie season in 2011-12. Orlov finished the season ranked fourth in scoring among rookie defensemen despite finishing ranked 23rd in average ice time per game (16:52).
Orlov will most likely slide right into the lineup in place of Tom Poti, who aggravated a back injury in Sunday’s contest against Buffalo.
