Washington Capitals News

With Nicklas Backstrom recently undergoing hip surgery and expected to miss an extended period of time, the Capitals sign Strome to a one-year deal, presumably to be their No.2 centre in 2022-23. Strome excelled while playing up in the Blackhawks lineup last season but found himself near the bottom of the depth chart often as well. If he sticks on the second line with players like Anthony Mantha and T.J Oshie, Strome should be able to replicate the 22 goals and 26 assists (48 points) we saw from him a season ago.

Priskie had a solid 2022 season with the Charlotte Checkers (AHL), posting eight goals with 23 assists (31 points) in 54 games. The 26-year-old showcased his offensive game in four years at Quinnipiac University and will look crack the NHL with the Sabres in 2022-23.

Wilson has not played since early in the first period of Game 1 and will miss his third straight game on Monday. With Wilson still out, T.J. Oshie will continue to skate on the Capitals' top line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin.

Wilson left Game 1 after suffering a lower-body injury in the first period. He's considered day-to-day and the Capitals would not commit to his status beyond tonight's game. Brett Leason will make his Stanley Cup Playoff debut in Wilson's spot.

Wilson played just 1:31 TOI in Game 1 before departing with a lower-body injury. The Capitals did not provide much of an update on his status but called him a game-time decision for Game 2, which suggests his injury isn't overly serious. Connor McMichael or Axel Jonsson-Fjallby will likely draw to replace Wilson if he can't play.

Ovechkin missed the final three games of the regular season but is good-to-go for Game 1 vs. the Panthers. Ovechkin's outstanding career continued in 2022, scoring 50+ goals for the ninth time and 90+ points for the sixth time.

Ovechkin was on the ice for the Capitals morning skate but will not play Thursday against the Islanders. With Ovechkin out, Conor Sheary and T.J Oshie will skate on the top line with Evgeny Kuznetsov.