Capitals recall defenseman Cameron Schilling for start of second half

Defenseman Cameron Schilling was recalled from Hershey on Tuesday in advance of the Washington Capitals’ road game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Schilling has played in two games with the Capitals — one in 2012-13, one last season — and will serve as the seventh defenseman for the time being with Nate Schmidt still expected to miss at least another month after breaking his left shoulder blade.

The Capitals originally turned to Steve Oleksy for the first four games following Schmidt’s injury, then went without a seventh defenseman for the shootout loss to Edmonton on Jan. 20 — the last game before the all-star break.

Schilling was chosen on the recommendation of Hershey coach Troy Mann, Capitals coach Barry Trotz told reporters in Columbus on Tuesday. He had two goals and 10 assists in 40 games with the Bears this season.

Washington begins two consecutive back-to-backs on Tuesday, facing Columbus on the road before hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. The Capitals will then head to Montreal for a game against the Canadiens on Saturday before hosting the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.