On Thursday, the Washington Capitals recalled forward Riley Barber and defenseman Aaron Ness from Hershey. They both may play tonight.
After the Caps’ morning skate, Barry Trotz revealed that Matt Niskanen will miss tonight’s game, after the defenseman suffered a lower-body injury Wednesday against Philadelphia.
Niskanen is out tonight. #CapsOilers
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) February 24, 2017
With Niskanen out, Nate Schmidt will return to the lineup while Taylor Chorney will get a jersey for a second straight game. Ness may get game action because of a lower-body issue Brooks Orpik is currently dealing with. The 36-year-old defenseman absorbed several big hits in Philadelphia and is questionable for tonight’s game.
Orpik (lower body) will take warmups before a decision on his status is made. #CapsOilers
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) February 24, 2017
Meanwhile, Riley Barber will take warmups for the Caps tonight as well and could make his NHL debut.
Barber will also take warmups. Trotz indicated that a forward (or forwards) are nursing something.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) February 24, 2017
The Caps play back-to-back games this weekend. After playing Edmonton at Verizon Center tonight, the Capitals will travel to Nashville for a 5pm game Saturday.
