Washington Capitals News

28-year-old Hunter Shepard played his first career NHL game earlier this season, saving 18 of 22 shots in a 6-4 win over the New Jersey Devils. It is unclear if his call-up is due to a potential injury for Darcy Kuemper or Charlie Lindgren, but if either of them is unable to dress for the Capitals, expect Shepard to serve as the teams' backup goalie.

van Riemsdyk missed the Capitals' game Wednesday due to a lower-body injury and has been placed on the injured reserve Thursday. The 32-year-old has struggled out of the gate thus far in 2023-24, with no goals, an assist, 11 SOG, two PIMs and a -2 plus/minus through 10 games played.

Mangiapane will return to the Flames lineup on Friday after serving a one-game suspension for cross-checking Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann. Look for Mangiapane to slot back onto the top line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Elias Lindholm. Mangiapane has seven points (4G / 3A) in 11 games while averaging 15:12 time-on-ice per game.

Haman Aktell will replace the injured Trevor van Riemsdyk (lower-body). The 25-year-old rookie has registered no goals, one assist, three blocked shots, and four hits through three games with the Capitals this season.

van Riemsdyk played only 1:34 time-on-ice before exiting the Capitals' Saturday night matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Van Riemsdyk did not practice on Monday but was upgraded to a game-time decision after participating in the team's morning skate on Wednesday. Through 10 games, Van Riemsdyk is averaging 17:35 time-on-ice and has one point (0G / 1A).

Van Riemsdyk played only 1:34 time-on-ice before exiting the Capitals' Saturday night matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Van Riemsdyk did not practice on Monday but has been upgraded to a game-time decision after participating in the team's morning skate on Wednesday. Through 10 games, Van Riemsdyk is averaging 17:35 time-on-ice and has one point (0G / 1A).

Last week, Backstrom announced he would "step away from the game" indefinitely as he takes time to focus on his health and has now been placed on the LTIR. In 2022, Backstrom had hip resurfacing surgery that forced him to miss the majority of the 2022-23 season. The 35-year-old Sweedish center iceman has played 1105 career games, all with the Washington Capitals, registering 1033 points (271G / 762A), but has only scored 22 points (7G / 15A) in 47 games since his surgery, a 0.47 point-per-game pace, down significantly from the 0.96 pace he had prior.

With Nicklas Backstrom being placed on the long-term injured reserve and Evgeny Kuznetsov out due to illness, the Capitals have recalled journeyman Michael Sgarbossa from the Hershey Bears of the AHL. In 11 games with the Bears this season, Sgarbossa has 12 points (3G / 9A). Dating back to the 2012-13 season, Sgarbossa has 65 NHL games under his belt, registering 16 points (4G / 12A).

Last week, Backstrom announced he would "step away from the game" indefinitely as he takes time to focus on his health. In 2022, Backstrom had hip resurfacing surgery that forced him to miss the majority of the 2022-23 season. The 35-year-old Sweedish center iceman has played 1105 career games, all with the Washington Capitals, registering 1033 points (271G / 762A), but has only scored 22 points (7G / 15A) in 47 games since his surgery, a 0.47 point-per-game pace, down significantly from the 0.96 pace he had prior.

Van Riemsdyk played only 1:34 time-on-ice before exiting the Capitals' Saturday night matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Van Riemsdyk will be re-evaluated and will not be a participant at practice on Monday. Through 10 games, Van Riemsdyk is averaging 17:35 time-on-ice and has one point (0G / 1A).

Mangiapane will miss Tuesday's game vs. the Predators but is eligible to return Friday in Toronto. With Mangiapane out, look for Dryden Hunt or Adam Ruzicka (if he's healthy) to draw into the lineup on Tuesday.

Lindgren will play for just the second time this season after allowing four goals on 35 shots in the Capitals season-opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Capitals are coming off a 3-0 shutout loss at the hands of the New York Islanders on Thursday but have been playing much better of late, winning their three games prior. Lindgren and the Capitals will be facing a Columbus Blue Jackets team that has lost four of their last five (1-2-2) but is coming off an impressive 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Thompson will look to continue his undefeated season (4-0-0) as he appears to be the starter for the Golden Knights on Thursday night. Adin Hill has had the slight favour in net, starting 60% of the teams' 10 games thus far but Thompson continues to be a reliable option when called upon and should continue to see a near-split workload the rest of the way. In his most recent contest, Thompson saved 36 of 39 shots in a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Thompson and the Golden Knights are -130 home favourites against the Winnipeg Jet, who are 4-3-2 on the season.

Thompson will look to continue his undefeated season (4-0-0) as he appears to be the starter for the Golden Knights on Thursday night. Adin Hill has had the slight favour in net, starting 60% of the teams' 10 games thus far but Thompson continues to be a reliable option when called upon and should continue to see a near-split workload the rest of the way. In his most recent contest, Thompson saved 36 of 39 shots in a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Thompson and the Golden Knights are -130 home favourites against the Winnipeg Jet, who are 4-3-2 on the season.

Backstrom has announced he will "step away from the game" indefinitely as he takes time to focus on his health. In 2022, Backstrom had hip resurfacing surgery that forced him to miss the majority of the 2022-23 season. The 35-year-old Sweedish center iceman has played 1105 career games, all with the Washington Capitals, registering 1033 points (271G / 762A), but has only scored 22 points (7G / 15A) in 47 games since his surgery, a 0.47 point-per-game pace, down significantly from the 0.96 pace he had prior.