The Washington Capitals face uncertainty regarding their top defenseman for their upcoming match against the New Jersey Devils. John Carlson’s status is a game-time decision following an upper-body injury.
Injury Update: Carlson’s Status Uncertain
John Carlson did not participate in the morning skate before the game. Coach Spencer Carbery indicated that the injury is not overly concerning. The team plans to re-evaluate Carlson’s condition before Saturday’s game.
Potential Lineup Changes Against the Devils
If Carlson is cleared to play, the Capitals will maintain the same lineup that has featured in their last two matches. Conversely, if he is unable to participate, several changes will occur:
- Ryan Leonard will move to the top power play unit.
- Aliaksei Protas will replace Carlson on the second power play unit.
Logan Thompson is set to start in goal against New Jersey, who will be missing Jack Hughes due to a hand injury sustained at a team dinner.
Projected Line Combinations
Coach Carbery plans to stick with the line combinations from the end of the last game against the Florida Panthers. The projected lineup is as follows:
| Forwards | Defenders |
|---|---|
| Alex Ovechkin – Dylan Strome – Anthony Beauvillier | Martin Fehervary – John Carlson*/Trevor van Riemsdyk |
| Aliaksei Protas – Justin Sourdif – Tom Wilson | Jakob Chychrun – Matt Roy |
| Hendrix Lapierre – Connor McMichael – Ryan Leonard | Rasmus Sandin – Declan Chisholm |
| Brandon Duhaime – Nic Dowd – Ethen Frank |
Special Teams:
- Power Play Unit 1: Ovechkin, Chychrun, Strome, Wilson, Leonard* (Leonard takes Carlson’s spot if he doesn’t play)
- Power Play Unit 2: Sandin, Beauvillier, McMichael, Protas, Frank
The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena. Fans eagerly await the final decisions regarding Carlson’s availability and the team’s lineup against the Devils.
