Today’s Globe:
Hurt last Monday in Columbus, in Game 1 of the 2-2-0 road trip, Pastrnak appeared to tweak an oblique muscle at Nationwide Arena and remained sidelined for the rest of the trip.
Asked Sunday if both Pastrnak and Hampus Lindholm would have suited up if this were the playoff season, Cassidy was ambivalent.
“Uh, well, they both skated [on their own Saturday],” he said. “I don’t know if they are that far away. I don’t know if they’d be able to play if it was the playoffs, because I was told they’re out. I didn’t ask that question, but my guess is yes.
“We are not protecting them. If it was a green light, they’d obviously be in there. It’s an important game, but they’ve still got a lot to play for and they’re not quite ready.”
Banged-up blue line
No update Monday (a day off), on injured defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, who exited early Sunday with what looked like a wrenched shoulder — the result of trying to put a smack on rugged Washington winger Garnet Hathaway, ex-of Brown and Kennebunkport, Maine.
Two other defensemen, Brandon Carlo and Charlie McAvoy, took some tough knocks from a very aggressive Capitals lineup. Both finished the matinee, but it would not be a surprise if one or both needed a night off.