Capitals Injury Updates: Tom Wilson 'Getting Closer,' Justin Sourdif Day-To-Day, Jakob Chychrun TBD vs. Montreal
The Washington Capitals got plenty of news on the injury front after Tuesday’s morning skate, and they will again make do with a shorthanded lineup as they take on the Montreal Canadiens.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals got plenty of news on the injury front after Tuesday’s morning skate, and they will again make do with a shorthanded lineup as they take on the Montreal Canadiens.
Justin Sourdif, who left Sunday’s game after being struck in the face with a puck, will not play and is officially considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury. The 23-year-old did not take part in morning skate, either.
It’s a tough loss up front for Washington, as Sourdif’s embraced his role as the team’s second-line center and has picked up production of late with 10 points in his last seven outings.
With Sourdif out, Connor McMichael will draw in at the center, and Sonny Milano will return to the lineup after a series of healthy scratches.
Also still day-to-day is Tom Wilson, though the alternate captain is “getting closer” to the next step in his recovery and upgrading to contact. Given the Capitals’ lack of practice time and busy schedule, Wilson doesn’t necessarily need a full contact practice to draw back in, and a full-contact morning skate would suffice.
Wilson skated with the group on Tuesday and was in high spirits, and stayed on for extra work and the scratches’ skate with Declan Chisholm.
On the blue line, Jakob Chychrun is a game-time decision on Tuesday after missing Sunday’s game due to illness. Chychrun took part in morning skate and did not stay on for extra work, though he did not take power-play reps.
Dylan McIlrath will slot back in on defense, and Trevor van Riemsdyk’s status depends on Chychrun’s availability. Chisholm will be the scratch.
Logan Thompson gets the nod against Montreal. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.