Caps' Orpik (knee) questionable for Winter Classic

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) The Washington Capitals could be without defenseman Brooks Orpik for the Winter Classic on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Orpik

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) The Washington Capitals could be without defenseman Brooks Orpik for the Winter Classic on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Orpik injured his right knee Monday night against the New York Islanders. Capitals coach Barry Trotz says Orpik's availability will be a game-time decision. Orpik says he was feeling better Tuesday, but the injury is more painful than previous knee problems.

He has played in three outdoors games with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

If Orpik isn't healthy, Nate Schmidt is expected to play and the Capitals could recall Steve Oleksy as a seventh defenseman.