Whether Capitals winger Tom Wilson returns for Game 2 after leaving Game 1 with an undisclosed injury will be a game-time decision, coach Peter Laviolette said Wednesday.
Wilson scored a key goal for the Capitals in the first period but left the game later that period after suffering an injury, apparently on a hit from Panthers defenceman MacKenzie Weegar. After the game, Laviolette would say only that Wilson was being evaluated for a lower-body injury.
However, Laviolette also said that Wilson would be “receiving treatment” for the injury later on Wednesday.
Wilson, known more for his toughness than his scoring prowess, had a career-best offensive season and was the Capitals’ fourth-leading scorer, with 24 goals and 28 assists while playing largely on the No. 1 line as well as both special-teams units. He also had a full-season-low 98 minutes in penalties.
“You can’t replace Tom, especially in playoffs,” T.J. Oshie told reporters after the game. “He is one of our most important players because of his ability to play physical, his ability to score big goals like he did (in the first period).
“His ability to penalty-kill, play on the power play. He is just a guy you cannot replace. Not only that, but his presence in the room is very influential to our team. We are hoping for the best. I think everyone knows he is a pretty tough guy, so hopefully he will be out there with us in a couple nights. If not, it is next man up, like it always is.”
Puck-moving defenceman John Carlsson was also hobbling after taking a high hit from Sam Bennett. Carlsson appeared to be none the worse for wear after the game, however, as reported on Wednesday.
The Capitals stunned the Panthers, 4-2, in Game 1.
The Capitals improved to 27-20 in Game 1s and 10-8 when starting a series on the road.
