Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, and John Carlson all miss Capitals practice for maintenance after loss to Canucks
The Washington Capitals had a bit of a lighter turnout at practice on Monday morning.
After seeing their early-season winning streak halted at four games by the Vancouver Canucks, team captain
Ovechkin, 40, has taken frequent maintenance days over the past few seasons. The Great 8 skated 21:24 of ice time against the Canucks, his highest single-game total this season as head coach Spencer Carbery deployed him more with the team chasing from the outset.
While Ovechkin was held off the scoresheet, Wilson (20:57) and Carlson (23:39) combined for three points (1g, 2a) in the 4-3 loss. Wilson also threw a big, open-ice hit on Canucks forward Filip Chytil that took the latter out of the contest.
Carlson, 35, has yet to play less than 21:23 of ice time in a game this season and is leading the Capitals in average time on ice per game (23:46). Wilson has played over 20 minutes in three of the team’s six games and ranks fourth overall on the team but first among the club’s forwards.
The Capitals are preparing to play their third game in five days against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night. The matchup against the road-warring Kraken is the final of the current homestand as the Caps will then travel to Columbus for a Friday night game against the Blue Jackets.
Pierre-Luc Dubois will miss fourth straight game due to lower-body injury against Kraken
The Washington Capitals will be without Pierre-Luc Dubois for a fourth straight game on Tuesday night.
“We’ll see,” Carbery said. “I haven’t spoken to the trainers yet, but won’t play tomorrow and then we’ll see where it goes from there. Have a few days in between after Seattle, so that at least gives us a few more days for the potential for him to get back into a regular jersey.”
Craig Breslow Stresses Importance of Adding Quality No. 2 Starter to Strengthen Pitching Rotation for Next Season
In a recent statement, CEO Craig Breslow emphasized the importance of securing a reliable No. 2 starting pitcher to complement Garrett Crochet in the team’s pitching rotation for the upcoming season. Breslow outlined that adding depth to the rotation is crucial for the team's long-term success and competitiveness, particularly as they aim to contend at a high level in the next campaign.
The organization has already placed significant faith in Garrett Crochet, whose talent and potential as a cornerstone of the pitching staff have been evident. However, Breslow made it clear that, in order to take the pressure off Crochet and ensure a balanced, formidable rotation, acquiring a top-tier No. 2 starter is a priority.
"We believe in Garrett's abilities, but to reach our full potential as a team, we need to add a quality arm to support him in the rotation," Breslow explained. "It’s crucial that we continue to build depth and ensure that we have the necessary pitching strength throughout the season. We are focused on finding the right fit to complement our current roster."
With the team looking to improve upon previous seasons, Breslow’s statement underscores the front office’s proactive approach in shaping a competitive team that can go the distance. The addition of a No. 2 starter would not only bolster the pitching rotation but also provide more stability, particularly in the middle of the season when fatigue and injuries can often affect performance.
The search for the right starting pitcher is expected to be a focal point for the front office in the coming months, as the team aims to make strategic moves that will position them for success. With the backing of a solid rotation, the team is hopeful that they can improve their chances in the postseason and put themselves in a position to compete for a championship.
