Carlson, Oshie Hurt, ‘Doubtful’ To Return For Capitals vs. Predators

The Washington Capitals continue to be plagued by injuries, and the first period against the Nashville Predators was no different as both John Carlson and T.J. Oshie suffered lower-body injuries. They are doubtful to return to action on Saturday, per the team.

Oshie skated just 1:51 minutes and appeared to be in discomfort while operating on the power play. He did not go for a backcheck and went straight to the bench and then had help going down the tunnel. No. 77 dealt with a myriad of ailments last season and also underwent a procedure in the offseason for an upper-body injury. He was also day-to-day going into the 2022-23 campaign, though he didn’t miss a regular-season game.

Later, about halfway through the first period, Carlson was trying to take the puck from Zach Sanford and went down awkwardly in the left corner. He got back up slowly and finished out his shift. He had a seven-second shift after that but went to the dressing room after that. He skated just 3:48 minutes in the opening frame.

What I believe happened to Carlson: pic.twitter.com/Y2G6sPAIkg

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) October 30, 2022

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Through eight games this season prior to Saturday, Oshie has two goals and three assists, while Carlson has two goals and four assists. Carlson has points in four of his last five games.

Losing two more stars would put the already-struggling Capitals in an even tougher position. Both are catalysts on PP1, and Oshie has been playing on the second-line RW while Carlson is the top-pairing RHD.

Not only that, but Washington is operating without stars Nicklas Backstrom (hip resurfacing surgery), Tom Wilson (ACL surgery), Carl Hagelin (hip surgery) and Connor Brown (lower-body).