Hillen missed Sunday’s game against the Oilers because of an upper-body injury that coach Bill Peters revealed was a concussion this morning. Hillen will go through all the proper concussion protocol—he has no timetable for a return.
Hillen missed Sunday’s win over the Oilers and was not available for Monday’s practice, which is not a good sign that he will play tomorrow vs. the Blue Jackets. Expect Rasmus Rissanen to stay in the lineup with Hillen out.
Hillen is a mobile blue liner, who was expendable for the Capitals. They needed to add some grit to their blue line and they did exactly that by adding Gleason. Hillen often bounced in and out of the lineup, but has racked up five assists in 35 games this season. In Carolina he should get into the lineup on a regular basis.
Hillen was injured on Tuesday, but practiced multiple times throughout the week and appeared to be on track to be in the lineup vs. the Bruins this afternoon. However, he will take a seat and John Erskine will slide into the lineup.
Hillen was injured in Tuesday's loss to the Kings and has not skated in the past two days. This puts his status for Saturday's game in question. Monitor if he skates Friday.
Hillen has only dressed in two games this season. He broke his leg in the Capitals home opener on October 3. The 28-year-old had nine points (3G / 6A) in 23 games with the Capitals last year and has a career high of 22 points (4G / 18A) in 64 games in the 2010-11 season with the Islanders. He will skate in the top-4 with Mike Green.
Hillen, 28, played in two games with the Capitals this season before suffering a right tibial plateau fracture on October 3 against Calgary. Hillen has missed Washington’s last 57 games due to the injury. Hillen recorded nine points (three goals, six assists) and 14 penalty minutes in 23 games with the Capitals last season.
The Capitals still have not announced wether Steve Oleksy or Alex Urbom will replace HIllen in the lineup.
The Capitals have not announced whether Steve Oleksy or Alexander Urbom will replace HIllen on their blueline.
“He’s going to be out for a bit,” Captials head coach Adam Oates said, “but I don’t want to speculate.” The newly acquired Alexander Urbom or Steve Oleksy will step onto the Caps blueline with HIllen out.
Hillen is in his sixth NHL season and his first in Washington. Hillen is a solid stay-at-home defenseman meaning he is not fantasy relevant. He has just seven points in 65 games over the last two seasons.
With everyone healthy, Hillen is the healthy scratch. The former Islander has two goals and six points through 45 games.
The Minnetonka, Minnesota native has two goals and six points in 38 games with the Preds. Look for him to draw in on the blue line if Suter is not healthy enough to play.
Hillen registered three assists and 12 PIM through 19 games.
