During pregame warmups, life seemed grand again. TJ Oshie was whacked in the buttocks by Tom Wilson, marking his first game since leaving a November 18 with a dislocated shoulder. The Capitals were finally full strength.
It only lasted one period.
16:48 into the period, Patrice Bergeron leveled Niskanen, sending the Caps highest-paid defenseman head-first into the end boards.
Niskanen would get up, but fidget immediately with his jaw. When he returned to the bench, Niskanen immediately went down the tunnel.
According to the Caps, Niskanen’s return is probable.
#Caps Matt Niskanen is being evaluated (upper body) and his return to tonight's game is listed as probable.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 8, 2016
Third period update: Nope!
#Caps Matt Niskanen won't return to tonight's game and will be re-evaluated tomorrow.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 8, 2016
