Wilson is nearly ready to return after having offseason ankle surgery. He will head to the Hershey Bears where he should practice throughout the week and likely play this weekend. He should be back with the Capitals really soon after playing 82 games with them in his rookie season.
Jenner will miss the first month of the regular season, which is troublesome for the Blue Jackets who are currently without Nathan Horton (back) and Ryan Johansen (unsigned), all of whom were expect to be on Columbus' first line to start the season. The injury is sure to make Jenner drop in fantasy drafts, but he remains a 20-20 candidate.
With Jenner out for a month, Nathan Horton out with a back injury and Ryan Johansen still unsigned, the Blue Jackets entire projected first line is unavailable. Jenner, 21, had 16 goals and 13 assists (29 points) in 72 games in his rookie season. The 6-foot-2, 204 lbs. forward is a great goal scorer and was poised for a breakout season, but it will have to wait one month before it starts.
This is the first time that Ovechkin has skated since getting injured. The injury is believed to be minor so his participation in practice this morning is a positive sign that he will be back in tonight. We will get official word when it is made available.
Ovechkin will miss his second straight game tonight. The Capitals are having a hard time scoring goals in 2014 and missing the NHL's leading scorer will certainly hurt their lineup.
The Capitals do not play until Friday but his absence at practice today is not a good sign for Ovi. Monitor his status during Firday's morning skate, if he is available for the skate there is a good chance that he will be in the lineup tomorrow.
Ovechkin was listed as a game-time decision, but he will miss his third game of the season tonight vs. Ottawa. Troy Brouwer will move up to the top-line with Ovi out. Monitor his status prior to Friday's game in New Jersey.
There is no word when Ovechkin suffered the lower-body injury but he will be a gametime decision tonight. The Capitals have lost five straight so missing Ovechkin vs. the surging Senators would be troubling. Monitor Ovi's status leading up to puck-drop.
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.
