The Washington Capitals will conclude their five-game homestand on Wednesday when they take on the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. Here is what you need to know ahead of tonight’s matchup.
Nic Dowd (upper-body) and Joel Edmundson (hand) were on the ice ahead of the morning skate in non-contact jerseys.
More updates: defenseman Joel Edmundson (hand surgery) and center Nic Dowd (upper body injury) have joined the early skills session in non-contact jerseys. Would seem to indicate that they won’t play vs. FLA tonight but are ramping up and nearing a return. #Caps pic.twitter.com/7sLoJu3MPN
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) November 8, 2023
Trevor van Riemsdyk was also on the ice ahead of the morning skate after sustaining a lower body injury against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is listed as day-to-day.
RELATED: Game Preview: Washington Capitals Finish Off Homestand vs. Florida Panthers On Wednesday
Evgeny Kuznetsov skated after missing the last two practices due to an illness. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said that Kuznetsov is TBD for Wednesday’s contest. If Kuznetsov can’t suit up, Mike Sgarbossa will make his season debut. He was recalled from the Hershey Bears this morning.
Darcy Kuemper will get the start in goal after Charlie Lindgren got the start against Columbus. Kuemper’s last appearance was against the New York Islanders. He gave up three goals on six shots.
“The big areas against a team like Florida is we need to do a good job protecting our net.”
Head coach Spencer Carbery speaks to the media about the importance of an effective net-front presence tonight versus the Panthers.#CapsCats pic.twitter.com/SuujCU2abZ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 8, 2023
Tom Wilson enters tonight’s contest with three goals in his last four games. Wilson, who has recorded five points (3g, 2a) in his last six games and six points (3g, 3a) in 10 games overall, leads the Capitals in individual scoring chances at five-on-five (24) this season (per Natural Stat Trick). Wilson scored the game-opening goal in the Capitals’ most recent game versus the Columbus Blue Jackets on Nov. 4, helping lead Washington to a 2-1 win. This season, the Capitals are 3-0-0 when Wilson scores a goal and 4-2-0 when he records a point. In addition, Wilson leads the Capitals and ranks tied for 12 in the NHL in hits with 32. Among skaters with 10 or fewer games played, Wilson ranks first in hits.
Puck drop against the Panthers is slated for 7:30 p.m.
By Jacob Cheris
Sgarbossa may not have the talent of Kuzy however I think that he has more drive and will and want to than Kuzy. Let him play a few games in his place and see if that doesn’t motivate Kuzy.
Game is on TNT.
I would rather see Chuck in net than Darcy.
We are close to getting everyone back.
Good to see TVR is just day-to-day. I was expecting much worse.
Does this mean Sandin is good to go?
Neither Mac, nor Carbs sounded the least bit concerned about Sandy
OK Boo-birds, I’m with you on this one:
Why in the blue-blazes is Chump-star Swiss Cheese Kuemper in goal tonight, after his miserable performance to date, and Sideburns’ sizzling-hot performance last game?
Not happy AT ALL with Baldy’s decision. Boy has HE got a lot to learn.
Let’s Go Boo-Birds!
masochism
n. the derivation of pleasure from experiencing pain and humiliation.
Same reason they wear those awful blue uniforms with the snowy shoulders. Impossible to Rock the Red when they wear those.
Jeez Mantha finally finds his game and this happens…wow
OK Boo Birds! I’m one of you tonight
35 Swiss Cheese Kuemper on waivers … Just like Campbell in EDM
Disallowed goal. Have the Caps EVER gotten one their way? God I hate that rule
Anthony Mantha Caps’ best forward tonight. Hope he heals up
And on “passengers” and “ghost players” …. When will the Caps admit that 45 Phillips is an AHL mainstay — at best? He eats up a roster spot that no less than SEVEN Hershey Bears would be an improvement.
I promised my wife I wouldn’t swear so much at Caps’ games. Fat Chance!!