The Washington Capitals are set to welcome back forward Tom Wilson as they prepare to host the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. Wilson, who was sidelined during the team’s 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers due to illness, recently helped Team Canada secure a silver medal at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. He currently leads the Capitals with 49 points, including 23 goals and 26 assists over 50 games.
Meanwhile, defenseman John Carlson will miss his second consecutive game because of a lower-body injury sustained in the Feb. 5 game against the Nashville Predators. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery, speaking about Carlson’s condition at the morning skate, indicated some caution but no long-term concern.
Maybe you could say that to this point it’s taken a little bit longer, but I don’t think there’s fear of it becoming anything long-term.
– Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals Coach
Questions Surround Dallas Stars’ Roope Hintz and Radek Faksa
The Dallas Stars face uncertainty as forward Roope Hintz missed practice on Friday due to illness, leaving his availability for Saturday’s home game against the Nashville Predators unclear. Hintz has accumulated 44 points this season through 15 goals and 29 assists in 52 games. Similarly, forward Radek Faksa, who suffered an upper-body injury while competing for Team Czechia at the Olympics, also did not participate in practice and is considered day to day. Faksa has contributed 17 points, including two goals and 15 assists, in 56 games this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins Evaluate Samuel Girard’s Status After Injury
Defenseman Samuel Girard was absent from Pittsburgh Penguins practice on Friday as he continues to be evaluated for a lower-body injury. Girard was recently traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Penguins, where he made his debut in Thursday’s 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils, logging almost 18 minutes of ice time. Prior to the trade, Girard had 12 points through 40 games. Penguins coach Dan Muse offered no updates but confirmed that Girard will travel to face the New York Rangers on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET.
St. Louis Blues’ Robert Thomas Still Out But Could Return Soon
Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues did not practice on Friday and remains on a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons. Thomas has not played since Jan. 10 and underwent a right leg procedure announced by the Blues on Jan. 31. Although his current status is uncertain, coach Jim Montgomery did not dismiss the possibility of Thomas returning for Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils. Thomas has 33 points, including 11 goals and 22 assists, in 42 games this season. Additionally, forward Mathieu Joseph was reassigned to non-roster status on Thursday.
Injuries and Roster Changes Impact Play Across the League
The latest NHL injury updates show how teams are adjusting to illnesses and injuries amid crucial games this weekend. The return of key players like Tom Wilson offers a boost for the Capitals, while questions remain for Dallas Stars’ Roope Hintz and Radek Faksa. Pittsburgh’s acquisition and debut of Samuel Girard highlight the Penguins’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their defense, despite the injury setback. St. Louis Blues await clarity on Robert Thomas’s availability, potentially influencing their lineup against the Devils. These developments will likely shape team strategies and performance as the season progresses.
