During the Washington Capitals' 2-1 shootout victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, both Michal Neuvirth and Nicklas Backstrom left the game with respective injuries. After the game, head coach Bruce Boudreau provided updates on their statuses and both will be alright.
Boudreau said part of the metal from the mask went into Neuvirth's eye after that first shot. They got it out thou. "He’s going to be Ok."
Katie Carrera
kcarrera
First, Neuvirth did not return after taking a Nate Thompson shot in the mask within the first minute of the game. Neuvirth took a minute to compose himself, but finished the first period. In the second period, however, Braden Holtby would fill in as Neuvirth watched from the bench.
Backstrom fell on his left hand/fractured thumb, Boudreau said he's going to be ok and that he wanted to come back vs Lightning. #CapsKatie Carrera
kcarrera
Backstrom would leave the game in the second period and did not return. Backstrom suffered a fractured thumb February 21 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but has played through the injury. He has yet to miss a game in his NHL career.