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":
Holtby walked through locker room after getting treatment, was smiling. Left leg below knee was red from icing.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 19, 2016
"Trotz on Holtby: I don't anticipate him not playing tomorrow"
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) April 19, 2016
Judging from comments Holtby injury does not appear serious
— Chuck Gormley (@CharlesAGormley) April 19, 2016
Game 4 goes tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET, on NBCSN.