Barbashev had been playing well on the Blues top line but suffered a left ankle injury on Thursday. With Barbashev out for at least six weeks, Jordan Kyrou was on the top line in Friday's practice and Nathan Walker was promoted from Utica (AHL).

Theodore has missed the last three games but is expected to play Tuesday vs. the Avalanche. Theodore skated with Nick Holden and on the top power-play unit in the Golden Knights' morning skate.

Pietrangelo has been sidelined on the COVID-19 reserve list since January 26th but is "available" for Thursday's game vs. the Ducks. Pietrangelo will replace Shea Theodore, who is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

Theodore was forced to leave Tuesday's game vs. the Ducks and will not play in the rematch on Thursday. Luckily for the Golden Knights, they will get Alex Pietrangelo back from the COVID-19 reserve list to replace Theodore.

Samsonov missed the last eight games on the COVID-19 reserve list but was back on the ice for Monday's practice and should be available on Tuesday. Samsonov may not start, as the Capitals will likely want him to get a couple of practices under his belt before he returns to the crease.

Pietrangelo remains in COVID-19 protocol and will not be available for Friday's game. With Pietrangelo out, Dylan Coghlan will make his NHL debut.

The Golden Knights gave no indication of what is ailing McNabb or how serious it is but placing him on IR will force him to miss at least seven days. With McNabb out, Nick Holden was recalled from the taxi squad and should make his season debut on Thursday.

Samsonov was among four Capitals added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Wednesday after it was determined they were in a hotel room together during the team's recent road trip. "Right now the players are in quarantine and, at this point, I believe it's four games and then under review and so we'll go from there," head coach Peter Laviolette said. With Samsonov out, Vitek Vanecek is expected to take over as the Capitals' No.1 and Craig Anderson was promoted to be the backup.

After sitting as Marc-Andre Fleury’s backup on Saturday, the Golden Knights will go back to Lehner tonight vs. the Coyotes. Lehner stopped 20 of 22 shots in a winning effort vs. Anaheim in the season opener. On Monday he takes on a Coyotes team that has started the season at 1-0-1 while scoring eight goals in their first two games.