Things can only go up for Ovechkin as he looks to spark his offense. Being on the second line should have no bearing in his point production and could reward him with better defensive matchups. Also look for a potential boost for Grabovski on both 5-on-5 and special teams.
Justin Falk will take a seat while the 6-foot-5 McIlrath makes his NHL debut. He is not known for his offensive output as much as his rough and physical play. He was recalled when Marc Staal was placed on IR and should have a huge impact on the Rangers blueline.
McIlrath was the 10th overall pick in 2010 and is in his second season with the Rangers AHL affiliate in Hartford. He is not known for his offence as much as his physical play in defensive zone, so he does not represent a young D-Man with fantasy upside. He has been recalled because of the injury to Marc Staal and could make his NHL debut tonight.
Jenner could see increased opportunity with Gaborik out 4-6 weeks. Consider him a deep league flier at this point.
Washington gets their leading scorer back tonight after he sat out of the last two games. Ovechkin has had a strong start to the season scoring 10 and assisting on five in the first 20 games.
Ovechkin sat out both of the Capitals games this weekend with an injury he suffered last Monday. His return to practice is a positive sign that he will be ready to go tomorrow vs. the Islanders. Monitor his status prior to tomorrow's contest.
The Capitals were carried by the line of Mikhail Grabovski, Jason Chimera and Joel Ward last night, the trio combined for 10 points. Nicklas Backstrom also added two goals and one assist.
Ovechkin missed last night's contest with the Flyers, but could play tonight against the Panthers. The Capitals cruised to a 7-0 whopping against Philadelphia last night, so they probably won't rush their star back if he is not 100% tonight. Expect an update later in the day.
Ovechkin has 10 goals and five assists in 12 games, so the Caps will be in tough without him on Friday. Eric Fehr will shift to the first line in Ovi's absence.
The Blue Jackets have a home-and-home with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday and Saturday. He could return on Tuesday against the Senators.
Jenner's leg injury caused him to miss Sunday's contest, and he is questionable to be ready for Friday's matchup with the Penguins.
The Capitals are calling Ovechkin day-to-day. Washington doesn't play until Friday, so there is a good chance Ovechkin could be in the lineup. Monitor his status after Friday's morning skate.
Jenner played just 10:48 last night before exiting the game and not returning. He has two goals in nine games. Expect a more detailed update in the coming days.
With Calvert out with a sore groin, Jenner will draw back into the Blue Jackets lineup. He dropped from their first line to a healthy scratch in two games, so don't expect him to stick in the lineup or have any fantasy relevance.
Jenner finished with 12 shifts and 10:27 of ice time, but he was noticeable on several occasions. He does not hold much fantasy value on the third line.
"Based on what they were able to do and how they were able to play as a group, I would be foolish to try and experiment with (Jenner) now somewhere else, just because they worked so well together.” Jenner was the 37th overall pick in 2011 and has yet to play a regular season NHL game. As long as he is on the first line, he is worthy of a roster spot in very-deep leagues.
The 6-foot-2, 205 lbs. forward had 45 goals and 37 assists in 56 games with the Oshawa Generals last season. Playing on the first line makes Jenner an interesting deep sleeper heading into drafts. He likely won't stay on the first line all year but he is good in all zones which will keep him on the Blue Jackets roster.
With Martin Erat out Wilson will make his NHL debut in a huge Game 5 between the Capitals and Rangers. He had 23 goals and 35 assists in 48 games with the Plymouth Whalers. He also had 17 points in 12 playoff games.
Wilson had 23 goals and 35 assists in 48 games with the Plymouth Whalers. He also had 17 points in 12 playoff games.
Ovie only has 2 G, 2 A, -2 and has 1 GWG. He has had his best two games of the season in his last 2 games. However the results still aren't there. Ovechkin may not be what he once was but how can you go from a guarantee of over a point-per-game pace to just 4 points in 9 games? He's got the skill he just needs to find the back of the net.
