Semin Back Soon; Johnson To Start

Sorry for the late entry, but I was traveling for a few hours this morning and then had to work on some stuff in the Tampa Bay dressing room after the morning skate.

Anyway, here's the latest on the Caps: Coach Glen Hanlon said Alexander Semin, who has missed nearly the entire season with a sprained right ankle, will return to the lineup next week, perhaps as soon as Monday's game against Florida. Semin hasn't been traveling with the team, but he's been skating on his own back in Arlington.

"It's going to be up to him," Hanlon said. "We're so anxiously wanting him back, but I don't want to ... we cannot afford to lose him for another month a half."

Hanlon also said he's planning to use the same lineup tonight as the one that lost 2-1 to the Panthers last night. Hanlon wouldn't say who would start in goal, but all indications are that it will be Brent Johnson.

Don't forget to join me for my Friday online chat at 2 p.m.