D Tom Poti recalled by Washington Capitals; hasn't played in an NHL game since January 2011

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Washington Capitals have recalled defenceman Tom Poti from Hershey of the AHL, bringing back someone who hasn't played in an NHL game in two years because of injuries.

Poti was added to Washington's roster Friday, a day before the team plays at the Tampa Bay Lightning to open the lockout-delayed season.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Poti has not appeared in the NHL since playing for Washington at Tampa Bay on Jan. 12, 2011.

He missed the rest of the 2011-12 season and all of last season, and general manager George McPhee sounded a pessimistic note in May, saying Poti "may have played his last game in the NHL."

But Poti recently passed a physical exam and scored one goal in two games during a conditioning stint at Hershey.