Defenseman Michal Kempny, who is still recovering from hamstring surgery which took place on April 2, is doubtful to play in the Washington Capitals‘ season opener at the defending Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues on Wednesday (8 PM ET, NBCSN), according to head coach Todd Reirden. He added that putting Kempny, who passed his skate conditioning test, on long-term injured reserve is not something that is in the works right now. More news from the last day of training camp can be found below:
Captain Alex Ovechkin will not play at the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday (1:30 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington) for precautionary reasons. Reirden stated that Ovechkin has a “lower-body issue.”
Reirden said that his backup goaltender for opening night has yet to be determined but added that it’s unlikely that the Capitals will start the season with three goalies on the NHL roster. Ilya Samsonov will be Braden Holtby’s back-up against the Hurricanes but Holtby will play the whole game barring an injury or change of plans.
Forward Liam O’Brien, who left Friday night’s 4-3 loss to the Blues after fighting with forward Jordan Nolan at the beginning of the second period, has an upper-body injury and did not participate in Saturday’s practice.
Defenseman Martin Fehervary not only practiced after leaving Friday’s game early but took Kempny’s spot on the first defensive pairing with John Carlson, indicating that he could make his NHL debut on Wednesday.
Defenseman Radko Gudas, who was a last-minute scratch against the Blues last night because his wife gave birth to the couple’s third child, practiced with the team on Saturday.
Capitals Roster at Hurricanes
Hurricanes Roster vs. Capitals
For tomorrow. No Staal, Gardiner, Necas. pic.twitter.com/9SGFoULp3v
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) September 28, 2019
Capitals Today
CAPS TODAY: Travis Boyd, who has two goals in the preseason, ranked seventh among Capitals forwards last season in points per 60 minutes of play (2.30), despite ranking 11th among forwards in power play time. More info on Boyd at https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/ARAIN8X2jz
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) September 28, 2019
Game Notes
GAME NOTES: The Capitals conclude their preseason schedule tomorrow afternoon against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. https://t.co/laO0OReOEc pic.twitter.com/aOiGydVHhY
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) September 28, 2019
By Harrison Brown
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