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Tom Wilson will be game-time decision for Game 2, John Carlson ‘fine’

By Andrew Gillis

Tom Wilson will be game-time decision for Game 2 on Thursday originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

SUNRISE, Fla. — Capitals forward Tom Wilson (lower-body injury) will be a game-time decision for Game 2 on Thursday night, coach Peter Laviolette confirmed at his Wednesday afternoon media availability. 

Wilson was receiving treatment during the team’s optional skate.

He took just three shifts in the Capitals’ 4-2 win in Game 1 on Tuesday in Florida, but made an immediate impact as two of those shifts ended in a penalty drawn and a goal scored. 

He made two returns to the bench after his injury and took a brief practice skate on the ice on one of those returns, apparently testing out whatever was ailing him. But after a few moments on the ice, he went straight down the Capitals’ tunnel and to the dressing room for the remainder of the night.

“You can’t replace Tom,” T.J. Oshie said after Game 1. “Especially in playoffs, he is one of our most important players because of his ability to play physical, his ability to score big goals like he did (Tuesday). His ability to penalty kill, power play, he is just a guy you cannot replace. Not only that, but his presence in the room is very influential to our team.”

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When asked if he was relieved that Wilson’s injury didn’t appear to be a long-term absence, Laviolette replied, “We certainly hope not.”

The Capitals’ upset win in Game 1 was impressive on its own, but considering they were without Wilson for all but three shifts of the night, the victory to put them up in the series looked even better than it did at the time.

Should the Capitals be without Wilson for any period of time, Connor McMichael or Axel Jonsson-Fjallby are the two options to replace him in the lineup. The team currently has 14 forwards on the roster, including Wilson.

“We are hoping for the best,” Oshie said. “I think everyone knows he is a pretty tough guy so hopefully he will be out there with us in a couple nights and if not, it is next man up like it always is.”

Laviolette also confirmed that defenseman John Carlson is “fine” after taking a big, late hit in the final seconds from Panthers forward Sam Bennett.

All first-round games of Capitals vs. Panthers will be available regionally on NBC Sports Washington and streamed live on the MyTeams app.

All about Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info

By NBC Sports Washington Staff
All about Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonEver since making his NHL debut in 2005, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has proven to be the greatest goalscorer the sport has ever seen.The 2004 No. 1 overall pick scored two goals in his first career game and hasn't stopped finding the back of the net at record pace, putting him within reach of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals mark. Ovechkin has compiled an impressive trophy case along the way, winning three Hart Memorial Trophy MVPs, a record nine Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the NHL's leading goal scorer, nine NHL First-Team selections, 12 all-star selections, the 2018-19 Stanley Cup title and the Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of that year's playoffs.He is undoubtedly one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Alex Ovechkin's BioHeight: 6-foot-3Weight: 238 poundsBirthdate: Sept. 17, 1985 Birthplace: Moscow, RussiaNHL experience: 17 seasonsJersey No. 8Alex Ovechkin's Career StatsAfter showing no signs of slowing down with a 50-goal season in Year 17, Ovechkin has continued to put up mind-boggling stats deep into his 30s. Here are his complete career numbers to date (through Oct 11, 2022): 1,274 games played780 goals scored630 assists1,410 pointsStanley Cup Playoffs:141 games71 goals64 assists135 pointsAlex Ovechkin's Contract DetailsIt was always a matter of "when" and not "if" Alex Ovechkin would sign a contract extension with the Capitals this past offseason. The five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed at the end of July 2021 showed his desire to finish his career in the nation's capital with an eye towards breaking the all-time goals record as well. Ovechkin's deal ends following the 2025-26 season. Where does Alex Ovechkin rank on the all-time goals list? Ovechkin finished his 17th NHL season with a clean 50 goals, bringing his career total to 780. Here's where that ever-growing mark ranks on the all-time goals leaderboard: Wayne Gretzky: 894Gordie Howe: 801Alex Ovechkin: 780Jaromir Jagr: 766Brett Hull: 741Other Alex Ovechkin RecordsMuch has been made about Ovechkin's all-time goals chase, but he's also accumulated some other pretty impressive records along the way as well. Most recently, Ovi broke the all-time power play goals mark with his 275th score on New Year's Eve against the Red Wings. By a second, he narrowly beat the release of Detroit's man in the penalty box to secure the record. Here are some of the Great 8's other all-time NHL records: Most scoring titles: nineMost overtime goals: 24Most consecutive 30-goal seasons: 15 (tied with Jaromir Jagr and Mike Gartner)
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