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With A Road Trip Set to Begin, Capitals Must Decide Who To Bring Along

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As has been the case all season, the Washington Capitals are suffering from a myriad of injuries. With the team's first road trip starting tomorrow in Carolina, the Capitals must decide who to bring along and who to leave behind on injured reserve.

Earlier today, Washington recalled defenseman Brian Fahey from AHL Hershey. Fahey, who made his NHL debut October 16 against the Nashville Predators, will take Tom Poti's place. Poti won't be available for the start of the trip, but coach Bruce Boudreau said during practice Tuesday that Poti could meet up with the team later this week.

Fahey's recall leaves the Capitals in an interesting spot roster-wise. Forward Matt Bradley is ready to return to the lineup, which could leave the team no choice but to place Poti on injured reserve. If that happens, Poti will not be available to play until Saturday's game against the Calgary Flames per the NHL's collective bargaining agreement.

The Capitals would then have two available roster spots (the NHL maximum is 23) to give to either Marcus Johansson, Mathieu Perreault or Boyd Gordon. According to Capitals Insider's Katie Carrera, all signs point to Perreault earning one of those spots. If Johansson, who will make the trip despite missing Saturday's game against Atlanta with a hip injury, is placed on injured reserve, he would have to miss the first two games of the trip. Meanwhile, Gordon could be reactivated at any time.

In other injury news, Mike Green hopes to play a full game Wednesday, but it will depend on how he feels during the morning skate and warmups.