(Caps Outsider)
Tom Wilson and Martin Fehervary both left Friday’s game and did not return with upper-body injuries in what could be a massive blow to the already-depleted depth of the Capitals.
Wilson was forced off the ice in the second period after an incidental collision with Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry and Fehervary left after a questionable hit by Brock Mcginn. The defenseman’s head seemed to snap back on impact.
Coach Peter Laviolette had no update on both players’ injuries but had this to say on the hit to Fehervary:
“I looked at it once before I came in here. Marty went to move the puck off of his stick and the player came through and his head snapped pretty good.”
McGinn maintained his innocence saying it “wasn’t a dirty hit at all.”
We can expect an update on the severity of both injuries but even if minor, the Caps can’t afford to have more players miss games.
Three players are on covid protocol and Nicklas Backstrom and Anthony Mantha have been out long term so the potential loss of these two players would be damaging beyond words.
Wilson, first and foremost, is third on the team in points trailing only Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson, and has nine goals on the season which is tied with Evgeny Kuznetsov for second best.
He provides goal-scoring, grit, and leadership making him one of the most valuable guys on the team.
It’s no surprise outlets like TSN and Sportsnet project the power forward to crack a spot on Canada’s Olympic roster.
On the back end, Martin Fehervary has arguably been the Caps’ biggest revelation this season.
The rookie, stapled as a regular in the lineup, has stepped up big time with a shortened lineup and excelled.
He is top 10 among all rookie defensemen in ice time, averaging over 20 minutes a game, and leads the group in +/- with a +8.
As well, Fehervary has chipped in with five points.
The 22-year-old has gone from fighting for a roster spot to having his potential absence having major implications for the team.
It is important to note that just from the human eye, Fehervary’s injury looked more severe than Wilson’s.
That means zero about any potential time missed, and of course, we hope both players are back on the ice as soon as possible.
The Capitals are set to face off against the Sabres today, so both of their availability will be closely monitored.
