Six days before the Washington Capitals begin the regular season, the team’s thin lineup may have taken another hit — at least in the short term.

About 20 minutes into Saturday’s midday practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, forward Tom Wilson appeared to be injured by a puck while conducting a drill in front of the net. Wilson lay face down on the ice for about 10 seconds. He tried to push himself up unsuccessfully, before finally rising to the ice and gliding to the bench.

Wilson spent considerable time there, first sitting for a few minutes while a trainer scrutinized his right ankle. The 23-year-old third line right wing walked back and forth along the bench around with a significant limp and in evident pain.

Wilson ultimately rejoined practice, though he looked labored while skating. He walked off the ice into the locker room with a pronounced limp. The young, rough-playing agitator was not made available to reporters.

As Capitals head coach Barry Trotz concluded his press conference by saying he expects Wilson to be okay for the regular season opener but conceded the team would take an extra forward to St. Louis for their final exhibition game if Wilson has more than just a stinger.

Headline photo: Chris Gordon