The Washington Capitals were without Pierre-Luc Dubois for their 3-2 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. Dubois suffered a lower-body injury against the New York Rangers last weekend and has yet to skate with his teammates since then.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery labeled Dubois out day-to-day earlier this week and shared the latest on the shutdown centerman after the club’s practice on Wednesday morning.
“Yeah, it’s not a long-term thing with Dubie, but we’ll see how he is today,” Carbery said. “I’ll talk to the trainers, but there is a chance he skates tomorrow.”
The game against the Lightning was the first Dubois had missed since arriving in DC via trade from the Los Angeles Kings ahead of last season. He played in all 82 games for the Capitals last year, recording a career high 66 points (20g, 46a).
With Dubois out of action, Carbery gave Hendrix Lapierre a sweater and moved Connor McMichael up a line from the third-line center position he occupied against the Rangers. McMichael, Aliaksei Protas, and Tom Wilson formed the team’s new shutdown line against Tampa Bay, winning their direct matchup with the Lightning’s top line of Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Brandon Hagel.
When the two lines were on the ice at five-on-five, the Capitals owned positive differentials in shot attempts (+5), shots (+4), scoring chances (+2), and high-danger chances (+2). The three Caps forwards combined for five points (2g, 3a).
Dubois is averaging 17:22 of ice time this season, 2:22 of which has come on the club’s first-unit power play. With him not available for power-play reps, Sonny Milano was moved up into his spot, and the Capitals recorded their first power-play goal of the year against the Lightning.
Carbery also shared an update on veteran defenseman Dylan McIlrath, who was placed on injured reserve to begin the season after suffering a lower-body injury in the Capitals’ preseason finale.
“Status quo, getting better,” Carbery said. “I would anticipate this week, at some point, him being back to 100 percent ready to fully practice and play.”
The Capitals placed Vincent Iorio on waivers Wednesday afternoon, likely so that they can activate McIlrath. The Caps play their next three games at home, starting with a Friday night contest against the Minnesota Wild.
