Matt Roy and Dylan McIlrath miss Capitals practice after suffering injuries in preseason finale against Blue Jackets
The Washington Capitals took to the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex for their last practice ahead of the NHL’s Opening Night roster deadline without Matt Roy and Dylan McIlrath.
The two veteran defensemen suffered injuries — Roy an upper-body injury and McIlrath a lower-body injury — against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the Capitals’ preseason finale on Saturday night. Neither player was able to finish the game, leaving the Caps with just four defenders for the final 10 minutes and 36 seconds of the third period.
Head coach Spencer commented postgame that the Capitals would evaluate the two blueliners on Sunday, which was a day off for the team after wrapping up their preseason schedule.
“It doesn’t look like it’s super significant or a long-term thing,” Carbery said. “Maybe a week, two weeks. I don’t want to throw anything out there.”
For Matt Roy, the early-season injury will likely lead to a bout of deja vu, as the 30-year-old rearguard was injured in last year’s first game of the 2024-25 regular season. He played just 8:39 of that October 12 game against the New Jersey Devils and didn’t return to the club’s lineup until November 6.
Roy eventually played in 69 total games for the Capitals in his first season with the team, skating on average 19:53 of ice time per game and recording 24 points (3g, 21a). The 2025-26 campaign will be the second year of the six-year, $34.5 million ($5.75M AAV) contract he signed with the Caps as an unrestricted free agent during the 2024 offseason.
McIlrath, 33, spent most of last year as the team’s seventh defenseman, getting into 17 games, which was the most NHL games he has played in a single season since he got a sweater 34 times with the New York Rangers during the 2015-16 campaign.
The two injuries mean that the Capitals are left with 23 healthy players at training camp, which could encompass the final roster that the Capitals announce later on Monday. Vincent Iorio, who makes the team likely due to one or both of Roy and McIlrath probably going on injured reserve, skated on the team’s extra defense pairing with winger Ivan Miroshnichenko at practice.
Unlike Roy and McIlrath, goaltender Charlie Lindgren skated after missing Saturday’s game for maintenance.
The Capitals must submit their Opening Night roster by 5 pm, and they’ll also find out the fates of the waived Clay Stevenson and Ethen Frank three hours before then.
Matt Eberflus Declares: 'This Was More Than Just Another Game, We Proved Our Defense Is on a Whole Different Level!'
The Chicago Bears’ defense showed its true strength in an impressive win over Justin Fields and the New York Jets in a game that carried significant weight for both teams. Matt Eberflus, the defensive mastermind behind the Bears' strategy, took full advantage of his team's elite defense, making a powerful statement that this victory was about much more than just a regular win.
"This was more than just another game. It was about showing that we, as a team, can execute when it matters most. Justin is a talented quarterback, but today, our defense proved it’s on a whole different level. I’m proud of how we handled the pressure."
Eberflus’ words reflected not only his pride in his defensive squad but also the hard work and dedication that paid off during this grudge match. The victory was a definitive moment for the Bears' defense, showcasing their ability to rise under pressure and shut down a formidable opponent like Fields. The game had all the makings of a high-stakes battle, but Eberflus and his defense were ready to answer the call.
Defense Dominates and Shuts Down Fields
In a contest that had Bears fans buzzing, the defense led the charge, overwhelming Fields and the Jets’ offense. The defensive line sacked Fields multiple times and continually pressured him, preventing him from finding any rhythm. Fields, who had been under heavy scrutiny since his trade, struggled to establish any consistency in the game. The defensive backfield intercepted him, and the Bears' front seven controlled the line of scrimmage, limiting his rushing yards.
While Fields put up solid numbers, including 283 passing yards and two touchdowns, his performance was marred by the unrelenting pressure from the Bears' defense. Eberflus’ game plan was clear: neutralize Fields' mobility and force him to beat the Bears through the air. The result was a dominant defensive performance that was a true testament to the Bears' strength in one of the most important games of the season.
A Statement Game for the Bears
For Eberflus, the game was a turning point. He saw it as an opportunity to show that the Bears’ defense is elite, something that would carry them through the remainder of the season. The Bears’ defense proved to the league that they can handle high-pressure situations and outmatch even the most talented quarterbacks, such as Fields.
"This is the type of win that gives us confidence. The guys on this defense believe in each other, and we’ve got a group that’s capable of doing great things. We showed that today,"
Looking Ahead to Future Success
With the win under their belts, Eberflus and the Bears will look ahead to future matchups. There’s no doubt that the team has now established itself as a serious contender with a defense that can dominate in the clutch moments of a game. Moving forward, the Bears will continue to rely on their defense to carry them, but Eberflus knows the offense must continue improving to make a deep run in the playoffs.
