Eakin closer to coming back, should boost third line’s play
Awaiting OK for game after full-contact practice
WASHINGTON — Cody Eakin could return as soon as Wednesday for the Golden Knights.
The center, who suffered a lower-body injury in late September and was put on injured reserve, practiced Tuesday with full contact for the first time. Coach Gerard Gallant said Eakin wasn’t the Knights’ lineup it would be a boost for a team that has struggled without him and forward Alex Tuch on the third line. The 27-yearold scored 27 points last season. He was relegated to wearing a non-contact jersey for the past week before Tuesday as he fought to get back to 100 percent.
“I’m feeling good,” Eakin said. “I just have a couple last things (to do) and we’ll see how I feel in the morning after how the contact went.”
Stastny questionable
Center Paul Stastny didn’t skate Tuesday and Gallant said he will be a “possibility” against the Capitals. Stastny appeared to injure his right leg late in Monday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres when center Jack Eichel crashed into him diving for a loose puck.
“We’re not sure (if he’ll play) but we’ll know more tomorrow morning probably,” Gallant said.
Stastny anchored the Knights’ second line for the first three games but has yet to score his first point for Vegas. He leads the team in penalty minutes with six.
Murray injured
The Knights’ opponent Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins, may be without its starting goaltender.
Matt Murray is out indefinitely with the third concussion of his NHL career, which he suffered during practice Monday, according to coach Mike Sullivan.
Marchessault gets day off
Forward Jonathan Marchessault didn’t skate Tuesday but Gallant called it a routine day off.
Marchessault leads the team with four points through three games.
Contact Ben Gotz at bgotz@reviewjournal. com. Follow @Bensgotz on Twitter.