The latest on Tom Wilson ahead of Caps/Panthers Game 3

The problem for the Caps is that Wilson remains out with an undisclosed injury, which he suffered in Game 1 of the series. It's unclear exactly what caused Wilson's injury, but he was spotted in the tunnel in the early stages of Game 1 trying to work out something in his leg before exiting the game and not returning.

There was some hope that Wilson would be good to go in time for Games 3 and 4 in Washington, but Caps head coach Peter Laviolette laid that hope to rest on Saturday morning when he confirmed that Wilson would indeed remain on the sidelines.

The silver-lining here is that Wilson's injury is still classified as day-to-day, so there is a chance that he could be ready to go in time for Game 4 on Monday evening.

At this stage of the series, Washington has taken home ice advantage away from the Presidents Trophy winning Florida Panthers with a win in Game 1. The series is currently tied at 1-1, so if the Caps can take advantage on home ice in Games 3 and 4, they will then have a chance to knock off the #1 seed in the playoffs back in Sunrise Florida on Wednesday in Game 5. If Wilson can get himself healthy enough to draw back into the lineup, that will provide the Caps with a significant boost.