Just three more to go. It’s hard to believe but the Washington Capitals 2022-23 season wraps up on Thursday. But before that, the Capitals host the New York Islanders tonight at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for 7PM. Here’s the latest from morning skate:

 Alex Ovechkin (upper-body injury) didn’t participate in Capitals’ morning skate today after missing Saturday’s game against the Panthers. Following practice Peter Laviolette said that Ovechkin was ruled out for tonight.

T.J. Oshie missed morning skate, and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. [MORE HERE]

Trevor van Riemsdyk (lower body) and Anthony Mantha (lower body) both skated in non-contact jerseys.

#ALLCAPS morning skate is underway ahead of tonight’s game vs #Isles

Alex Ovechkin and TJ Oshie remain out

Anthony Mantha & Trevor van Riemsdyk taking part in non-contact jerseys

Joe Snively has been recalled from AHL’s Hershey Bears pic.twitter.com/UC4CQ2tVD9

— Ben Raby (@BenRaby31) April 10, 2023

Nic Dowd also did not skate this a.m. Laviolette said Protas will slot in an center.

Joe Snively was recalled from Hershey on Monday morning. [MORE HERE]

JOHN CARLSON

John Carlson is the Capitals’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, dedication and sportsmanship, as voted by the media. Carlson, of course, returned from a skull fracture and severed temporal artery this season.

#Caps John Carlson addressing the media after being named the Caps nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded for perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship, as voted by the Washington chapter of the @ThePHWA. pic.twitter.com/lR3SupvpmC

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 10, 2023

STAT OF THE DAY – DEFENSIVE PAIRINGS

Today’s stat of the day revisits the performance of the Capitals defensive pairs since John Carlson returned from injury (seven games). [Click to enlarge].

The Alexeyev-van Riemsdyk pairing continues to be the Capitals most efficient pairing, although the two have not played together over the last two games due to van Riemsdyk’s injury. The Jensen-Sandin pairing also continues to work well as a pairing.

DOWN ON THE FARM

Hendrix Lapierre has been heating up as of late, including scoring his first professional hat trick on Saturday night. Hershey Bears head coach Todd Nelson spoke at length about the Capitals first round draft pick following the Bears victory on Saturday. [MORE HERE]

Hats off for Hendrix! Hendrix Lapierre completes the hat trick in second period with a nice backhander. First career AHL hat trick.#HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/M7E6icfr0S

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) April 9, 2023

Alexander Suzdalev scored twice on Saturday night, helping the Regina Pats beat the Saskatoon Blades 5-3 and forcing a decisive game 7 tonight in Saskatoon. [MORE HERE]

Alexander Two-z-dalev! Alexander Suzdalev with his second goal of the night. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/n94Iaw5cvh

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) April 9, 2023

Jake Karabela and the Guelph Storm’s season came to an end on Sunday after losing game 6 to the Sarnia Sting, 4-3 in overtime.

SHAVINGS

• 2022-23 Bill Masterton Trophy nominees announced [Daily Faceoff]