Here's the injury situation update [deep breath]:

Alexander Semin said he's not playing tomorrow (or at least shook his head no when asked). Sergei Fedorov doesn't think he will be able to play either. Mike Green said his shoulder feels "100 times better" and if it improves more tomorrow, he might give it a go against the Panthers. Karl Alzner said he is all better and will play.

Bruce Boudreau said he does not expect to have any of the guys who missed the Columbus game (Semin, Fedorov, Green, Tom Poti and John Erskine), and center Boyd Gordon, who missed practice, is questionable.

If Fedorov and Semin can't play, the Caps are short one forward (Chris Bourque was sent back to Hershey and isn't back yet). If Gordon can't play, then the Caps are short two forwards. There are several options to choose from, but general manager George McPhee -- while very complimentary of his play -- said Oskar Osala will not be the/one of the guys. The candidates are likely Bourque, Graham Mink, Keith Aucoin, Alexandre Giroux, Kyle Wilson and Quintin Laing.

Also, if the Caps recall two forwards tomorrow and don't send a defenseman back to Hershey, then that means someone (Erskine? Poti?) has to be moved to IR to open a roster spot.

[Exhale]

• 
• Comment