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.
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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