As the Washington Capitals prepare for the third round, their lineup could get a boost.

Forward Andre Burakovsky is inching closer to returning from an upper-body injury, Capitals coach Barry Trotz announced Wednesday, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. Burakovsky underwent minor surgery in April, and has been sidelined for all but two playoff games.

He'll travel with the Capitals as they head to Tampa Bay for Friday's Game 1 against the Lightning.

Burakovsky missed 20 games earlier this season due to a broken thumb. The 23-year-old wrapped the regular season with 25 points in 56 games.

Washington is making its first appearance in the conference finals since the 1998 postseason.

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