The Washington Capitals will be looking to avoid their first five-game losing streak in the Bruce Boudreau era. They will have to do it without their top defensemen. Boudreau announced before the game that the flu bug that bit the team over the weekend has claimed Mike Green enough to keep him out of action for tonight's game.
This news comes via Brian McNally of the Washington Examiner and several others. Green had been listed as doubtful, but Boudreau confirmed he would be out earlier today.
In addition, Boudreau said that young center Marcus Johansson would not play tonight. Why? Via McNally, here's the blunt answer.
"Needs to watch a game," was the taciturn reason Boudreau gave.
Johansson is one of many Capitals who is struggling recently, having not registered a point in five games and struggling in faceoff situations.