The Washington Capitals are set for another huge game as they prepare for puck drop against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. The matchup, which has serious playoff implications, could see TJ Oshie involved for the Capitals for the first time in April.
Oshie has sat out of the past four games due to an upper-body injury, all losses for the Capitals. Head coach Spencer Carbery spoke pregame about Oshie’s status and the plan if the veteran winger can’t dress for a fifth straight game.
“Osh will be a game-time decision but trending in the right direction,” Carbery said. “We’ll warm Sgarbossa up so we’ll make a decision tonight closer to game time.”
Oshie last played on March 30 in the Capitals’ 3-2 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins. The 37-year-old forward has been worked on by a chiropractor multiple times this season to address reoccurring back issues.
“I wish I would have been able to come back a little sooner,” Oshie said Monday. “Sitting out sucks, but when the team is winning it makes it a little bit easier. When you’re not getting the two points, it’s a lonely seat watching from up top or on TV. But I feel good.”
Ready for the Red Wings#ALLCAPS | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/U4Rw7RdXuN
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 9, 2024
While Oshie could be back against the Red Wings, the Capitals will definitely be without defenseman Rasmus Sandin. Carbery revealed on Monday that Sandin could miss the rest of the regular season with an upper-body injury he suffered against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.
The Swedish defenseman did not travel with the Capitals on their two-game road trip and there will be just three games left on the schedule when they return home. Lucas Johansen was recalled from the AHL’s Hershey Bears to provide reinforcements on the trip.
Vincent Iorio will get a sweater for the second time this season with Sandin out and Trevor van Riemsdyk will move to the left side of the team’s defense to balance the pairings. Behind them, Charlie Lindgren is set for another start in goal.
Lindgren returned to the starter’s net on Sunday, stopping 18 of 21 shots he faced in the 3-2 overtime loss to Ottawa. The 30-year-old backstop beat the Red Wings on March 26 when the Capitals got an overtime goal from Dylan Strome to pick up two points.
Puck drop for the contest is set for a little after 7 pm. The Capitals will also have their eyes on games involving the Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Islanders as they all play on Tuesday night as well.
