The Washington Capitals are facing a few injury concerns as they gear up for a critical matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks tonight. Center Justin Sourdif is among the players nursing minor injuries, having missed the team’s optional morning skate at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Head coach Spencer Carbery expressed optimism, stating, “I think [Sourdif will be good to go]. We’ve got a few game-times, so we’ll know more tonight, but hopefully.”
Sourdif has been making waves recently, coming off what are arguably the two best games of his NHL career. In a previous contest against the New York Rangers, he achieved his first career multi-goal game, contributing not only his first power-play goal but also his first empty-net goal in the Capitals’ 6-3 victory. The 23-year-old rookie continued to shine in the following game against the Ottawa Senators, exhibiting physical play by delivering a substantial hit to defenseman Thomas Chabot and engaging in a fight with Drake Batherson—a personal first in the NHL. Sourdif also recorded two assists, including a primary assist on Aliaksei Protas’s late game-tying goal, showcasing his growing impact on the team.
While Carbery did not provide details on other players dealing with injuries, the Capitals are hopeful about Protas returning after he was temporarily sidelined in the loss to Ottawa. Protas was hurt after a dangerous trip from defenseman Artem Zub sent him crashing into the boards.
In net, Logan Thompson is set to make his second start in January, following a challenging stretch where he managed just one win in five appearances, often allowing four or more goals.
On the other side, the Blackhawks are missing their star center Connor Bedard, who has been out since December 12 due to an upper-body injury. In his absence, the team has leaned on Tyler Bertuzzi and former Capitals winger Andre Burakovsky to fill the scoring void. Currently, Chicago finds itself at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Historically, the Capitals have had success against the Blackhawks, winning their last three home games and maintaining an impressive 13-game home point streak against them, which stretches back to the 2005-06 season. This streak is now tied for the third-longest active home point streak against a single opponent in the NHL.
Tonight’s game at Capital One Arena is scheduled for a 7 pm puck drop, and both teams are eager for a win that could change their respective fortunes. The Capitals will look to continue their home dominance, while the Blackhawks aim to rise from their current standing in the league.