Dylan Strome’s status remains up in the air despite making the trip up to Buffalo with the Capitals.
Head coach Spencer Carbery labeled Strome a game-time decision during his pregame press conference. Strome has missed two games and has been out of action since October 25, when he suffered a lower-body injury early in the Capitals’ 7-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators.
“He will be a game-time decision,” Carbery said. “He’ll warm up and we’ll see where he’s at.”
The Capitals lost their other top centerman, Pierre-Luc Dubois, to a lower-body injury against the New York Islanders on Friday night. In response, the club recalled forward Spencer Smallman from the AHL’s Hershey Bears. If Strome cannot go against the Sabres, Smallman, 29, will make his NHL debut.
Dubois did not join the rest of his teammates on their flight up to Buffalo, and Carbery listed the 27-year-old pivot as out day-to-day with his ailment.
“Did not travel and I would call him day-to-day,” Carbery said. “He’s getting evaluated back home.”
Charlie Lindgren will be in net for the Capitals for the first time since he gave up seven goals to the Senators a week ago. In three games this season, Lindgren is 1-2 with a 3.72 goals-against average, a .882 save percentage, and one shutout.
After starting the season 0-3, the Sabres have collected standings points in seven of their last eight games. They will be rested after last playing on Thursday night against the Boston Bruins, a 4-3 loss in overtime.