Imagine your favorite hockey team is on a winning streak, but one of their star players is sidelined with an injury. That’s the reality for the Washington Capitals right now, as they gear up for a Sunday afternoon showdown against the Vancouver Canucks. But here’s where it gets tricky: Pierre-Luc Dubois, the team’s top-six centerman, is still in a no-contact jersey, marking his second straight day of limited practice. While the Caps are riding high after a commanding 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild, Dubois’ absence is a lingering concern that fans can’t ignore.
Head coach Spencer Carbery confirmed the veteran pivot won’t suit up against the Canucks, leaving fans to wonder when he’ll return to full action. “It won’t be tomorrow for sure,” Carbery stated, adding, “At some point, he’ll need to transition to a regular jersey—hopefully by Monday—but it’s too early to predict.” And this is the part most people miss: Dubois’ injury, sustained against the New York Rangers last weekend, has already kept him out of two crucial wins against the Wild and Tampa Bay Lightning. His first return to the ice came during Friday’s morning skate, but his recovery timeline remains uncertain.
At 27, Dubois has yet to record a point in three games this season, averaging 17:22 of ice time as the anchor of the team’s shutdown second line. In his absence, Connor McMichael has stepped into the center role, flanked by Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With Dubois’ offensive contributions still missing, how long can the Capitals sustain their winning streak without their key playmaker?
Looking ahead, the Capitals host the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday before hitting the road to face the Columbus Blue Jackets. Last season, Dubois tallied two assists in four games against his former team, making his return to the lineup even more anticipated. Controversially, some fans argue that the team’s early success might be masking deeper lineup issues, while others believe this is a chance for younger players to shine. What’s your take? Is Dubois’ absence a minor setback or a potential turning point in the Capitals’ season? Let us know in the comments!
