Tom Wilson’s three-game suspension has put the Washington Capitals in a difficult place against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Without their top-line winger — and with Andre Burakovsky also hurt — the Capitals are thin on top six forwards.
In an attempt to replace Wilson, coach Barry Trotz moved Devante Smith-Pelly from the third line to the first. After a 3-1 loss Thursday, the results weren’t kind — star Alex Ovechkin went without a shot on goal. The line, in general, failed to get into a rhythm.
Now, Trotz has to decide whether to give the group another chance for Saturday’s Game 5, or replace Smith-Pelly with someone else.