The Washington Capitals picked up a stunning Game 1 win over the President Trophy-winning Florida Panthers on Tuesday. However, focus quickly shifted to the statuses of forward Tom Wilson and defenceman John Carlson.
Wilson suffered a lower body injury early in the first period. He only played one minute and 31 seconds on the ice. Carlson took a big frustration hit from Panthers forward Sam Bennett in the waning moments with the game’s outcome already decided.
Wilson was being evaluated as the Capitals celebrated their win. Meanwhile, Carlson skated off the ice after the hit and headed to the locker room before the final seconds of the game ticked away.
Wednesday morning Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette provided an update on both players.
Wilson is receiving treatment for his injury Wednesday and will be a game-time decision for Thursday’s Game 2, according to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti.
Meanwhile, Carlson is fine and all is cleared for him to play Thursday.
The good news is Carlson is all good. He is Washington’s top defenceman and imperative for their success in the playoffs. It’s still good news that Wilson has a chance. But considering he just played over a minute in Game 1, his situation is more concerning.
Wilson is a huge part of the Capitals’ offense. In fact, before exiting last night’s win, it was Wilson who got the Capitals on the scoreboard. He scored with a power play goal at the 3:48 mark in the first period.
He had a career-year in the regular season with career-highs of 24 goals, 28 assists and 52 points. The Capitals will look to stun Florida and the NHL world again Thursday night. A win will give them a commanding 2-0 series lead before the best-of-seven series shifts to Washington for Games 3 and 4.
