Tom Wilson Still Hurt, Will Miss Game 3 As Capitals Host Panthers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Capitals will be without Tom Wilson again as the first-round series against the Florida Panthers takes over the District.

Per head coach Peter Laviolette, Wilson will not play in Game 3 as he remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He suffered the injury early in Game 1 shortly after scoring a power-play goal in the opening frame en route to a 4-2 win. His absence was noticeable in Game 2, as the Capitals couldn’t completely fill his void and ultimately fell 5-1. Now, with the series even, the team will have to continue to make do without him. Prior to this injury, Wilson had points in each of his last six playoff games.

It is unclear if Laviolette will keep the same lines from Game 2. However, it seems there is a possibility the team could see lineup changes, especially with Ilya Samsonov already taking over for Vitek Vanecek in Game 3. Still, Laviolette played his cards close to the vest.

“We’re working on some things in the room. Some things we’re working on,” Laviolette said.

READ MORE ON WHN: Capitals Make Goalie Change, Will Start Samsonov Over Vanecek In Game 3

Washington also has extra forwards Connor McMichael and Axel Jonsson-Fjallby on hand, along with Brett Leason, who played Thursday. The Capitals also have two extra defensemen in Michal Kempny and Matt Irwin.