Mike Knuble will stay out of the press box on Saturday despite the return of Nicklas Backstrom. Knuble was a healthy scratch for the first three games of the Capitals' first round series, but he was inserted into the lineup because Backstrom had to serve a one-game suspension. Backstrom will play on Saturday, but so will Knuble. "I just tried to come in and work hard. I thought Joel [Ward] and Keith [Aucoin] and I have good chemistry," Knuble said. "So I think we can be effective."

Mike Knuble will draw back into Washington's lineup in Game 4 on Thursday night for the first time since Apr. 5. It will mark his 2012 playoff debut after sitting in the press box for the previous three games of the Capitals' opening round series versus Boston. Knuble is set to join the fourth line with Keith Aucoin and Joel Ward. He posted just six goals and 12 assists in 72 games for Washington during the regular season.

Mike Knuble may play in Game 4 on Washington's fourth line after being a healthy scratch for the first three games of the team's opening round series against Boston. The Capitals shuffled their lines during practice on Wednesday after word came down that center Nicklas Backstrom had been suspended for one game for a cross check to the face of Bruins forward Rich Peverley.

Mike Knuble scored his first goal since Dec. 5 in Washington's comeback victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. He opened the scoring for his club with the Capitals already down 3-0 near the midway point of the game. Knuble has been in and out of the lineup, as a healthy scratch, since the start of February. He has four goals and 13 points in 61 games this campaign.

Mike Knuble might spend Tuesday's game in the press box. If Monday's practice is any indication, then he isn't penciled in on any of Washington's four forward lines. Knuble has 12 points and a minus-16 rating in 58 games this season.

Mike Knuble will be back in the lineup Sunday at home against the Philadelphia Flyers. This will be Knuble's first game since last Wednesday (February 22). Knuble is 3-9-12 and minus-16 in 57 games on the season. At the age of 39, Knuble's fantasy value is limited at best.

Capitals forward Mike Knuble will again be a healthy scratch tonight against the visiting Islanders. The veteran forward declined to speak to reporters following this morning's practice. There is no change in Knuble's status in D.C. what with the trade deadline having come and gone. Tonight will mark the sixth time in the last 10 games that he will be a healthy scratch in favor of Keith Aucoin. Knuble is 3-9-12 and minus-16 in 57 games.

Mike Knuble will be a healthy scratch on Friday. The Capitals might simply be resting Knuble because they're thinking about trading him. In that scenario, they'll want to prevent him from playing in games to make sure that he doesn't get hurt. If that's the case, Washington might also scratch Knuble on Saturday.

Mike Knuble played on Friday after spending three games in the press box. Knuble's extended stint on the sidelines led to speculation that he would be dealt, but Capitals GM George McPhee said he doesn't plan on trading Knuble. He had an assist in 11:34 minutes of playing time.

Washington GM George McPhee said he has no intention of trading Mike Knuble. "We haven't had any conversations about it. In fact, we haven't had any conversations, period," said McPhee when asked if Knuble had requested a trade or if he would consider dealing him. "He's a great pro, a great guy. We have no interest in trading him he hasn't asked for that. We haven't talked to him about it." Knuble has been a healthy scratch for three straight games, but McPhee expects him to return to action this weekend. Coach Dale Hunter was less committal, saying it would be a game-time decision though.