Carlson has missed the last four games, but skated in sweat pants prior to practice on Monday. His absence for practice and his lack of pads suggests that he isn’t close to returning and won’t play on Tuesday vs. the Bruins.
Backstrom left after playing just 14:35 (averages 19:16) and did not return to the Capitals’ bench after leaving. Because the Capitals have a back-to-back, Backstrom’s status for Thursday’s game is up in the air. They won’t have a morning skate, so expect an update closer to puck-drop.
Carlson was listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game, but will not miss at least a couple of games with a lower-body injury. This is a huge blow to the Capitals blueline, who will get Aaron Ness from Hershey (AHL) to act as their seventh defenseman while Carlson is out.
Carlson took warmups, but was a late scratch due to a lower-body injury. Connor Carrick will replace him.
Carlson was listed as a game-time decision, but he is on the ice for warmups, which is a good sign that he will play his 413th consecutive game. He has emerged as one of fantasy hockey’s best defensemen, so make sure he’s in your lineup.
Carlson sustained a minor lower-body injury on Saturday and is listed as a game-time decision for Monday’s game. Carlson’s iron man streak is in jeopardy of coming to an end—he has appeared in 412 consecutive games. Puck-drop is at 7 p.m, so monitor his status when warmups get underway at 6:30 p.m.
Fucale, a second round pick (36th overall) in 2013, has played very well in his first season in the AHL. The 20-year-old has gone 7-2-2 with a 3.12 GAA and .907 SV% in 12 games with St. John’s and gets a chance to be in the NHL while Carey Price is out. Montreal doesn’t have a back-to-back until next Wednesday—Thursday, so don’t expect to see Fucale until then.
McIlrath played well in the two games he was in the lineup, but will come out for Dan Boyle tonight. McIlrath has no points and 24 PIMS in six games this season. It shouldn’t be long until McIlrath gets back into the lineup.
Sgarbossa did not make his Ducks debut during his call-up and now he switches places with Chris Mueller. Sgarbossa heads back to San Diego where he has eight points (2G / 6A) in 12 games.
The Rangers like to get Dan Boyle some rest here and there, so McIlrath will get back into the lineup on the second game of the Rangers’ back-to-back.
Sgarbossa, 23, has eight points (2G / 6A) in 12 games with San Diego this season. Sgarbossa has just one career assist in nine NHL games—he could make his Ducks debut next week.
McIlrath has been a healthy scratch in the last seven games, but he will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Capitals. With McIlrath back in the lineup, Dan Boyle will be a healthy scratch. McIlrath is not known for his offence, but he is one rugged blueliner who can be a great shutdown defender.
Backstrom missed the first three games of the season while rehabbing his surgically repaired hip. He has been practicing for over a week and is ready to return to the lineup tonight vs. the Hurricanes. Backstrom is coming off of a season in which he recorded 18 goals and 60 assists (78 points) in 82 games.
Backstrom, who returned to practice on Monday, has been cleared for full contact which is a great sign that the Capitals’ centre is nearing a return to the lineup. Backstrom is not expected to play tomorrow, but he could be back on Saturday vs. the Hurricanes. Monitor his status heading into the weekend.
