Carlson Cleared For Capitals vs. Isles; Sheary Enters COVID-19 Protocol

The Washington Capitals got a scare pregame, as John Carlson and Conor Sheary didn’t hit the ice for warm-ups against the New York Islanders pending COVID-19 test results. And, while their No. 1 defenseman in Carlson is good to go, Sheary will be out and enter the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

Washington had recalled Michal Kempny from the taxi squad, but Carlson will be in the lineup given his test results. Sheary, on the other hand, will draw out and join Carl Hagelin and Dmitry Orlov on protocol.

It’s a tough loss for Washington, as Sheary has been heating up of late. He has points in three of his last four and five goals in his last nine outings. At Friday’s skate, he was skating on the third line with Nic Dowd and Garnet Hathaway. Through 31 games this season, the 29-year-old has 10 goals and 19 points.

While the Capitals will deal with another absence up front, they did get good news, with Alex Ovechkin playing some soccer and taking part in warm-ups on Saturday. He appears good to go.

Vitek Vanecek will get the nod for Washington against New York, per NHL.com’s Brian Compton.

And, per NBC Sports Washington’s Joe Beninati, assistant coach Blaine Forstyhe has also entered COVID-19 protocol.