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Washington Capitals: Michal Kempny is “Out Indefinitely” Per Todd Reirden

By Michael Marzzacco

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Michal Kempny #6 of the Washington Capitals warms up before a game against the Winnipeg Jets at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Michal Kempny #6 of the Washington Capitals warms up before a game against the Winnipeg Jets at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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There was a big blow to the Washington Capitals blueline on Friday. Michal Kempny is out indefinitely.

When Washington Capitals coach Todd Reirden took the podium after Friday’s morning skate at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, he delivered the news that no Caps fan wanted to hear. Their defenseman, Michal Kempny is “out indefinitely” after he injured himself in Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The incident occurred in the second period when he was grabbed and brought down by Cedric Paquette in a scuffle near the boards right in front of the Capitals’ bench. Even during the awkward takedown, Paquette kept punching Kempny. Kempny left the ice and never returned to the game. Todd Reirden told the media after the game that he would, “miss some time.” He’s diagnosed with a lower-body injury.

The Capitals had a day off on Thursday so that’s why this update came two days later. There’s still some tests on Kempny that have to be done.

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“I’d say we’re going to have to be without him for an indefinite amount of time. We’re just getting some more tests before we can make an official time statement on that, but I would just say right now that indefinitely he’s out of our lineup,” said Reirden.

Reirden was then asked about the possibility of being out for the remainder of the season.

“I don’t feel comfortable saying that until I get a little bit more medical advice on that one and so we go through all the proper testing we need to know so we can set the proper timetable. But right now, I just plan on not having him for an indefinite amount of time,” Reirden responded.

This hurts the Capitals down the homestretch. Kempny was brought on last season and had a career resurgence. Paired with John Carlson, the dynamic duo was usually the top defensive pairing. This defensive upgrade before the trade deadline helped improve a young and inexperienced defense last season and was just one of a couple of reasons why they won the Stanley Cup.

But this isn’t all bad news Capitals fans. It’s time for the Djoos to get loose. After Nick Jensen was brought in, Christian Djoos was the odd defenseman out of the lineup. He only appeared in one game after the trade deadline which was Tuesday night in New Jersey to give Brooks Orpik a night off.

Djoos is playoff battle tested. After being scratched from the lineup in the first two games of Washington’s series and the team falling 0-2, Djoos appeared in the lineup ever since during the 2018 postseason.

In my opinion, as bad as it is having Kempny out of the lineup it’s a great opportunity for Djoos to get more playing time to finish the season to get ready for the playoffs. Djoos was paired in his regular spot next to John Carlson on the top paring at Friday’s morning skate.

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Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Kempny. The Capitals host the Minnesota Wild tonight.

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