Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette announced today that forward Tom Wilson is a game-time decision for tomorrow’s Game 2 against the Florida Panthers.
Wilson tried skating twice after originally leaving the game 7:47 into the first period after trying to hit Panthers defenseman MacKenzie Weegar but ultimately did not return. T.J. Oshie slid up the depth chart, taking Wilson’s place on the second line alongside Marcus Johansson and Nicklas Backstrom.
Washington jumped out to a surprise 1-0 lead in the series with an impressive 4-2 on the road against the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Panthers in Game 1 on Tuesday. Wilson played just 1:31 but still managed to draw a penalty and score the first goal of the game. Wilson’s playoff-suited game looked extremely strong before the injury, so the Capitals obviously hope he’s able to play tomorrow to boost their shot of taking a 2-0 series lead on the road.
Wilson had a career year this season, setting career-highs in goals (24), assists (28), points (52), +/- (13), and average time on ice (18:35).
Caps need him badly, but he was suspended for a few games during their Cup run, so they do know how to win without him. That Florida team reminds me of the 2010 Caps. They’re ripe for the taking.
Maybe. But can the caps goaltenders survive the onslaught for a best of 7 against the leagues highest scoring squad?
Canadians goalies against the caps in 2010 were wildly inconsistent letting in 6 twice and 5 another game. Hopefully they can hold it together a few games this year
A lot of people picked Florida to win the Cup, based on that offense. I wasn’t one of them. They could survive Washington, but they won’t win it all. In just one game they’ve already blown a third period lead and a third period lead at home for the first time this year. Not the makings of a champion