Caps’ Orpik misses practice with injury

Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik didn’t participate in Tuesday’s practice because of an undisclosed “lower-body” injury, but coach Todd Reirden said “at this point” he expects Orpik will play in tonight’s game in Montreal. Orpik was on the ice before practice for a special skills drill with the other defensemen, but he also missed Sunday’s practice for a “maintenance day.” The team was off on Monday.

“Waiting to hear more, but today was just maintenance for him, and we’ll reassess tomorrow,” Reirden said.

Orpik has played in every game to start the season, and the 38-year-old is averaging the fewest minutes of his career (16:18), though he logged more than 18 minutes in the Capitals’ past two games.