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Caps rule out Orpik for Game 4, Holtby ‘nicked up’ in practice

Brooks Orpik

Washington Capitals’ Brooks Orpik (44) is helped off the ice after an injury during the second period of Game 3 in the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoffs against the Philadelphia Flyers, Monday, April 18, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

AP

The hit that forced Brooks Orpik from Game 3 will also keep him out of Game 4.

That’s what Caps head coach Barry Trotz confirmed on Tuesday -- Orpik, who left the ice dazed after getting slammed into the boards by Philly’s Ryan White last night, has been ruled out for tomorrow’s potentially series-clinching tilt at Wells Fargo.

Trotz added the veteran defenseman is listed as day-to-day, per Sports Illustrated.

A valuable penalty killer and one of the team’s alternate captains, Orpik had logged pretty significant minutes during the opening two games of the series -- 21:56 in Game 1, 21:33 in Game 2 -- so his presence will be missed.

Based on today’s skate, it looks like Nate Schmidt will draw in and replace Orpik as John Carlson’s defensive partner.

In other Caps news today, there was some concern about the health of Braden Holtby after colliding with a teammate in practice, then leaving the ice.

But those concerns were quickly put to rest, with head coach Barry Trotz saying Holtby was merely “nicked up":

Game 4 goes tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET, on NBCSN.