The Capitals are waiting on word for a couple of guys dealing with injuries.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals were missing some key pieces at Monday's practice, as Evgeny Kuznetsov and Trevor van Riemsdyk didn't take part in the skate at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.
Evgeny Kuznetsov didn't skate due to an illness. It is unclear if the team will make a call-up or if he will be healthy by Wednesday when the Capitals take on the Florida Panthers.
Van Riemsdyk is still dealing with a lower-body injury and is officially listed as day-to-day. He was hurt early in Washington's 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets when his skate went awkwardly into the boards.
At this time, the Capitals haven't made a call up on defense. Hardy Häman Aktell and Lucas Johansen are the two extra defensemen, and Alex Alexeyev has shown that he can play the right side if need be.
Washington is dealing with a handful of other injuries, but is hoping that Nic Dowd and Joel Edmundson are getting closer to a return. Both have been skating on their own ahead of practice, but have yet to join the team.
Meanwhile, Max Pacioretty has taken a big step forward and has skated on his own multiple times.
Both Pacioretty and Edmundson are on the long-term injured reserve and are eligible to return at any time now that 10 games and 24 days have passed for each of them.
The Capitals are back in action on Wednesday, when they play host to the Florida Panthers to close out a lengthy home stand ahead of an upcoming road swing.