The Capitals forward barely had time to turn around before he was thrown into the boards by Rempe, who was called for interference on the play.

WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals lost another defenseman to injury after a big hit, as Trevor van Riemsdyk has left Game 3 against the New York Rangers after being hit up high by Matt Rempe. He will not return.

Van Riemsdyk was playing the puck behind the net and passed it behind him. He barely turned around before Rempe came in for a big hit away from the play. Rempe left his feet and caught van Riemsdyk up high in the head with his arm.

The Capitals blueliner went down in visible pain and went straight to the locker room. Rempe was called for interference, as he hit Van Riemsdyk after he had gotten rid of the puck.

Though the hit to the head may not have been intentional, the 6-foot-7 winger has four inches and 60 pounds on Van Riemsdyk.

This is the fourth defenseman that Washington has lost on a hit since April 7. The team is currently without the services of Rasmus Sandin, Nick Jensen and Vincent Iorio, all of whom are out with upper-body injuries after big hits.

Washington is down to five defensemen for the remainder of Game 3, and there is only one other defenseman available in Hershey that's under contract with D.C. Chase Priskie. Hardy Häman Aktell is already up with Washington and available.