Washington Capitals will have to enter Stanley Cup playoffs without their defenseman Michal Kempny. The team announced on Tuesday that Kempny successfully underwent a surgery to repair a torn left hamstring and will miss up to six months recovering.
Kempny got injured in Capitals’ 4-5 loss to Tampa Bay Lightning on March 20th when his leg twisted in an awkward way during a duel with Tampa Bay’s Cedric Paquette.
The news was confirmed on Capitals’ official social media.
Capitals acquired Michal Kempny on 19 February 2018 from Chicago Blackhawks, and the 28-year-old ended up having a significant impact during Washington’ road to a Stanley Cup win. Kempny continued with good games in 2018/19 NHL season, having his best statistical season since coming to NHL. He played a total of 71 games this season, and managed to provide six goals alongside 19 assists.
With Kempny out, Washington Capitals are expected to give more minutes to defenseman Nick Jensen, whom they acquired from Detroit Red Wings in February. Jensen played 18 games for the Capitals since joining the team and has provided five assists.
