Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Injuries, Stadium Series Jerseys, Trade Talk

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals will be in for one of their biggest games of the season against the Pittsburgh Penguins on what's already been a busy day in D.C.

Washington's Stadium Series jerseys dropped, and the team is also awaiting word on some of their injured players as the Capitals skate on home ice after a three-game road swing out west. In other news, trade talk and speculation continue to brew as the March 3 NHL Trade Deadline looms.

Here are the latest news and notes from D.C. and across the NHL:

Washington Capitals

– Washington's Stadium Series jerseys are here, and the Capitals sweaters will feature the "Weagle" for the first time in franchise history. (WHN)

– Nic Dowd gives another update on how his rehab is doing and his progress as he works back from a lower-body injury. (WHN)

– Tom Wilson's status is still up in the air for Washington. (WHN)

– And, in trade talk, some chatter has linked Anthony Mantha and the Capitals to the Mtontreal Canadiens. We set the record straight and share what we've heard.

NHL

– Looking at the playoff race: The Islanders' struggles continue, and while general manager Lou Lamoriello took some of the blame himself, he also put some of it on the players. New York Islanders (NYIHN)

– An update on Cole Caufield, whose shoulder surgery will keep him out for the rest of the season. Montreal Canadiens (MHN)

– The Penguins will be without Tristan Jarry as they take on Washington on Thursday. Pittsburgh Penguins (PHN)

– Ryan O'Reilly is now apparently one of the players who's a trade target. Boston Bruins (BHN)

Top Shelf Takes

– There's been mixed reviews of the Stadium Series sweaters: I actually really like them and think that it's a simple, sleek look. I think on the ice they're going to look much cleaner, especially with the names and numbers.

– There's no denying the importance of Thursday's game: it's a must-win for the Capitals. Pittsburgh leapfrogged them for the No. 1 Wild Card spot, and teams continue to push to get back in playoff position and are just a few points behind D.C. As Oshie pointed out last week, it's not a comfortable position for the team to be in.

– We'll see soon if Wilson is on the ice for the morning skate. He is day-to-day, and the injury did not look pretty. In case you missed it, here's what happened:

– We'll also await word on Nicklas Backstrom, who is day-to-day with a non-COVID illness.