The Caps just finished up practice here at Kettler in Arlington. The Young Guns did not skate. Bruce Boudreau said Nicklas Backstrom is sick, but does not have swine flu and will play tomorrow. He was "under the weather" yesterday as well.

Mike Green was limping around today, but Boudreau said the trainers told him they expect Green to play tomorrow. Boudreau said the Alexes were just taking their option as they typically do when practice isn't mandatory.

Quintin Laing and Eric Fehr returned to practice. Laing had been under quarantine because of swine flu and Fehr has been out with a rib injury. Boudreau said Boyd Gordon is not close to returning from his back injury, but John Erskine (hand) could be ready as soon as Wednesday in New Jersey.

Boudreau is going to sign his book "Gabby: Confessions of a Hockey Lifer" for people that are here today, and there are already at least 100 people if not more lined up on the mezzanine level waiting for him to start signing. The book also hits stores today.

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