Injured players Alexander Semin and Tom Poti missed today's optional practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, and Coach Bruce Boudreau said he did not expect either to be in the lineup anytime soon.

Semin did not accompany the team on its recent road trip after taking a hit to his thigh last week. With one of the team's most capable scorers unavailable, the Capitals lost to Florida and Tampa Bay, both Southeast Division foes.

"Feeling better," Boudreau said of Semin, a left wing whose 18 goals lead the team and whose 35 points are third most. "Getting strong, but I don't foresee him playing in the next little bit."

Poti, meantime, played 5 minutes 38 seconds and had 10 shifts in last night's 3-0 loss to the Lightning that gave Tampa Bay sole possession of first place in the division. The defenseman has missed considerable time this season while nursing several ailments, including those to the lower and upper body.

Most recently, Poti missed a full three games and most of another from Dec. 23 through New Year's day, when Washington beat Pittsburgh in the Winter Classic, 3-1, at Heinz Field. Poti had logged just 3:34 of ice time on Dec. 23 before leaving the game in a 3-2 loss to the Penguins at Verizon Center.

"Poti again, he's the same situation" as Semin, Boudreau said. "At least a week. At least."