The Washington Capitals saw their injury woes get even worse Saturday night, losing Anthony Mantha late in regulation against the Florida Panthers. Mantha left the ice without any apparent injury but did not return for the final 5:45 of the third period or in overtime.
Head Coach Spencer Carbery confirmed postgame that Mantha sustained an injury, though the severity remains unknown.
“Yeah, injury, I’m not sure the significance,” he said. “I’ll have to get an update on that, but definitely left the game from an injury.”
Mantha got into a highlight-reel fight earlier in the game, downing Florida’s Nick Cousins midway through the second period. He would play another 6:14 after the fracas, ending the night with 16:12 on ice.
The Capitals have now suffered injuries in four straight games, with Martin Fehervary, Nic Dowd, and TJ Oshie all hurt earlier in the week. The team has since placed both Fehervary and Dowd on injured reserve.
Nick Jensen also missed part of Saturday night’s contest, careening into the boards during a collision with Florida’s William Lockwood. Jensen went down the tunnel 9:41 into the game but returned in the second period.
Even without so many other players injured, Mantha’s injury could prove a significant loss for the Caps. He ranks fourth on the team in points this season, with 29 (18g, 11a) in 52 games. Five of those points have come over his last five games, playing a significant role in the Capitals’ recent success. His line with Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson proved effective against Florida: the trio recorded 82.4% of expected goals and 75% of scoring chances at five-on-five Saturday night.
After a day off Sunday, the Caps will return home to face the Ottawa Senators Monday night. Should Mantha be unable to play, Hendrix Lapierre could draw in for the first time since his call-up on Friday.
