Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson will miss tonight’s Game 2 matchup against the Florida Panthers.
Tom Wilson (lower body) is getting treatment today and will be a game time decision tomorrow, Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said today.
John Carlson is fine after taking hit from Sam Bennett late in game last nights
Optional practice for Capitals today.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) May 4, 2022
Tom Wilson Out for Game 2
Head coach Peter Laviolette said Wednesday morning that Wilson was receiving treatment for his lower-body injury suffered in the first period of Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Panthers. Before heading to the room, the 2022 All-Star registered one hit and one goal on two shots in 1:31 of ice time.
Using his 6’5″, 234-pound frame, winger Anthony Mantha stepped up huge in Wilson’s absence. He finished second among forwards in time on ice behind T.J. Oshie, who is responsible for Game 1’s game-winner. Mantha filled up the scoresheet with an assist on the Wilson goal and a game-high ten hits.
Tom Wilson and the @Capitals strike first in Florida ‼️🚨 pic.twitter.com/tWKEjmmpA9
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 3, 2022
Next Man Up
Laviolette has a few options as to who could replace Wilson in tonight’s lineup. Connor McMichael has shown the ability to make an impact on the Caps lineup on multiple occasions this season. 24-year old Axel Jonsson-Fjallby possesses the type of speed that could change the outlook of a game at any given moment. However, perhaps the most likely t0 enter the top-12 tonight is Hershey Bears call-up Brett Leason. At 6’5 218 pounds, Leason would fit in perfectly when it comes to providing the level of physicality Wilson brings to the ice. The Hershey call-up collected three goals and three assists in 36 regular-season appearances with the Capitals this year.
Capitals announce they have called up rookie F Brett Leason from Hershey.
We’ll see what that means about Tom Wilsons’ (lower body) status for Game 2 vs. Florida tonight
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) May 5, 2022
Wilson is likely to return for Saturday’s 1:00 P.M. Game 3 matchup against the Panthers at Capital One Arena in Washington.
Main Photo:
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