Capitals to consider calling up forward from Hershey if Evgeny Kuznetsov too sick to play against Panthers

Evgeny Kuznetsov was absent from practice for the second day in a row, citing illness as the cause.

The Washington Capitals’ second-line center has been sidelined since the team’s 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Saturday night.

Following the team’s practice, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery gave an update on Kuznetsov’s condition.

“He’s sick again today,” Carbery stated. “So we’ll just have to play it by ear and see where he’s at physically. So no determination on tomorrow night.”

Carbery was then questioned about the team’s contingency plan if Kuznetsov remains unable to play, to which he replied, “We would consider calling up a forward.”

If Kuznetsov is unable to play, the Capitals may opt to give game time to centers like Riley Sutter or Mike Sgarbossa, or shift Aliaksei Protas to the middle and bring in a winger from the AHL. Hershey boasts a wealth of talented forwards such as Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Joe Snively, Mike Sgarbossa, and Ethen Frank.

Throughout this season, Kuznetsov has recorded a goal and four assists in 10 games. Previously, Sonny Milano also missed a game due to illness.

Headline photo: Alan Dobbins/RMNB