The Washington Capitals lost two instrumental players in the first period of Saturday’s game against the Nashville Predators. Both forward T.J. Oshie and defenseman John Carlson exited the game.
The Capitals announced that both Oshie and Carlson are doubtful to return with lower-body injuries.
Oshie’s injury became noticeable during the Capitals’ power play that started 4:50 into the first period. According to Samantha Pell of the Washington Post, Oshie didn’t backcheck on a Predators breakaway, pulling up before heading off the ice to the tunnel with assistance.
Meanwhile, Carlson stumbled to the ice in the left corner of the defensive zone while trying to knock the puck away from Predators’ Zack Sanford midway through the period, according to Tom Gulitti of NHL.com.
Carlson got credited with a seven-second shift after the fall but headed to the locker room.
The Capitals maintained a scoreless tie going into the first intermission.
Neither Oshie nor Carlson were on the bench at the start of the second period.
Oshie entered Saturday’s game with two goals and three assists in eight games. Carlson has two goals, four assists, and a minus-2 rating through eight games.
The Capitals are already without several key players, Nicklas Backstrom (hip), Carl Hagelin (hip), Tom Wilson (ACL), and Connor Brown (lower body).
