Capitals’ T.J. Oshie out indefinitely; John Carlson out day-to-day

Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie will be sidelined indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

Oshie was injured in the first period of Washington’s game against Nashville on Saturday, struggling to skate before leaving the ice and not returning.

Oshie, 35, missed 38 games last year due to a broken foot, a back injury and a bout with COVID. His back injury required surgery over the summer. Oshie has two goals and five points in nine games with the Capitals, building upon his 25-point output in 44 games last year.

When healthy, Oshie is a crucial piece of Washington’s top six. He slotted in on the second line with Evgeni Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson on Saturday

The Capitals also confirmed that defenseman John Carlson is out day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Carlson also left Saturday’s game early after getting shoved by Michael McCarron from behind. Carlson went shoulder-first into the boards and didn’t return.

Carlson, 32, has had a great start to the season with six points in nine games. The 2020 Norris Trophy finalist has led all defensemen in points twice, highlighted by a 60-assist, 75-point effort that same year.

The Capitals are also without Carl Hagelin, Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom, all of whom are out with long-term injuries.

The Capitals currently sit sixth out of eight teams in the Metropolitan Division with a 5-4-0 record. The Capitals beat Nashville 3-0 on Saturday for the team’s third win in the past four games. The Capitals have four games this week, including Monday’s contest against Carolina.