The Capitals returned defenseman Tomas Kundratek to AHL Hershey on Monday. The move came well after practice ended so neither Kundratek nor coach Dale Hunter nor general manager George McPhee was available to comment.

Not a bad first stint in the NHL for Kundratek, 21, who was recalled on Jan. 10. Didn’t record a point in five games, but he finished as an even player and was whistled for one penalty. Saw limited playing time, never skating more than 11 minutes, 9 seconds in any game. Also a healthy scratch last Wednesday at Montreal and on Sunday at Pittsburgh. Best stab at a reason? Caps may be looking for a little more ruggedness on the blueline when the Boston Bruins come to town on Tuesday. That likely means John Erskine gets the nod. That’s his kind of game. Plus, with the All-Star break upcoming through Jan. 31 – Washington’s next game – it makes sense to let Kundratek keep playing. Hershey has games at Norfolk on both Friday and Saturday.  

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