Oshie Still Being Examined; Carlson’s Status ‘More Encouraging’ For Capitals

Going into Monday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Washington Capitals are dealing with even more injuries, as two stars are out of the lineup on Halloween, and one faces an indefinite timeline.

T.J. Oshie is out indefinitely, while John Carlson is day-to-day after both suffered lower-body injuries in the first period of Saturday’s 3-0 win over the Nashville Predators. Head coach Peter Laviolette offered insight on both of their timelines, saying that No. 77 is still being evaluated.

“He’s being examined by the medical staff right now. Once we get home, we’ll have a better answer for that as to maybe a timeframe or what we’re thinking,” Laviolette told the media on Monday in Raleigh.

Oshie appeared to be hurting during an early power play against Nashville, and he pulled up while backchecking a Predators shorthanded breakaway. After skating just 1:51 minutes, he went down the tunnel with assistance. He did not return.

READ MORE ON WHN: Washington Capitals Tweak Lineup vs. Carolina Hurricanes As Injuries Pile Up

The Capitals come back to D.C. on Tuesday to take on the Vegas Golden Knights. Oshie has five points through nine games to open the season.

As for Carlson, Laviolette said things are more optimistic on that front.

“He’s out tonight but certainly a better label,” Laviolette noted. “Just looking at the two labels, the day-to-day is much more encouraging.”

Minutes after Oshie’s injury, Carlson took a spill in the corner while trying to steal the puck from Zach Sanford. He went down awkwardly in a split and got back up slowly. After finishing his shift and skating for another seven-second shift, he went to the dressing room and did not return. He logged roughly four minutes of ice time against Nashville.

With both Oshie and Carlson out against the Hurricanes, Connor McMichael will draw back into the forward mix, while Matt Irwin will make his season debut on the blue line.

Oshie joins stars Nicklas Backstrom (hip resurfacing surgery), Tom Wilson (ACL surgery), Carl Hagelin (hip surgery) and Connor Brown (lower-body) as the injured top-6 forwards.