Capitals' Matt Niskanen: Leaves Wednesday's game due to injury

Niskanen (lower body) won't return to Wednesday's matchup with the Flyers.

Analysis:

Niskanen appeared to sustain the injury when he reportedly "banged knees" with Philadelphia's Radko Gudas in the second period of Wednesday's tilt. The American blueliner briefly returned to the game for a single shift after being examined by the Capitals' training staff, but he was ruled out of the rest of the contest shortly after the third period got underway. Nate Schmidt will likely slide into the lineup if Niskanen is forced to miss any time with his lower-body ailment.