Niskanen (lower body) is uncertain to play Friday against the Oilers, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen exited in the second period of Wednesday's contest against the Flyers after knee-on-knee contact with Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas and is considered day-to-day. With the Capitals comfortably in a playoff position and Friday's game being against a Western Conference opponent, it's likely they will be cautious and hold the 30-year-old defenseman out of the lineup for at least one game, but look for updates after the morning skate.

Niskanen (lower body) won't return to Wednesday's matchup with the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen appeared to sustain the injury when he reportedly "banged knees" with Philadelphia's Radko Gudas in the second period of Wednesday's tilt. The American blueliner briefly returned to the game for a single shift after being examined by the Capitals' training staff, but was ruled out of the rest of the contest shortly after the third period got underway. Nate Schmidt will likely slide into the lineup if Niskanen is forced to miss any time with his lower-body ailment.

Niskanen contributed a pair of power-play assists to Tuesday's 5-0 rout of the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

He's been littering his game log with multi-point efforts lately -- five in his last 12 contests. In that span, Niskanen has a sparkling total of 13 points (two goals, 11 assists), with seven of those on the power play. It's been a season of resurrection for the veteran blueliner, who's now matched his assist total (27) from each of the past two campaigns, but in 29 fewer games. With 31 points in 53 contests, Niskanen is on pace to clear 40 for only the second time in his career, recapturing the fantasy allure he displayed in 2013-14 with Pittsburgh before signing a seven-year deal with the Caps in July of 2014.

Niskanen registered two assists (one on the power play), three shots, one blocked shot, one minor penalty, two hits and a plus-1 rating during Wednesday's win over Boston.

EDGE Analysis

Being a cross-category contributor is Niskanen's calling card, however, his best offensive production has typically come when he's climbed the depth chart while a teammate was injured. In most deeper seasonal leagues, the 30-year-old defenseman is still a serviceable option, but he likely isn't a universal own now that John Carlson is back in the mix. It is worth noting that Niskanen did quarterback the No. 1 power-play unit Wednesday, though.

Niskanen picked up three assists with a plus-1 in Saturday's victory against the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen also added a blocked shot, hit and minor penalty to pile up the points for fantasy owners. After starting the month with just one assist in the first seven games, the rearguard has managed two goals and seven points over his past four outings. The streaky defenseman remains useful in deeper fantasy leagues.

Niskanen dished out two assists Monday in an 8-7 overtime loss to Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen also skated to a minus-3 against his former team, however. Nonetheless, he has four points in his last two games (and 22 overall), 85 shots on goal and an impressive plus-13 rating on the year, making the Minnesota native a valuable rearguard in all but the shallowest of formats.

Niskanen recorded two goals, a plus-4 rating, and five shots on goal in a 5-0 victory over the Flyers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The blueliner only has four goals, but he has two multi-goal games this season. Since Dec. 11, Niskanen has four goals and 11 points in 17 contests. And with Washington currently on a nine-game winning streak, Niskanen is dominating the plus/minus category. He is plus-8 in his last three games, and plus-10 during the team's winning streak. Expect more of the same with Washington close to the top of the league in goal differential.

Niskanen recorded an assist and five shots in Tuesday's 6-5 OT win over the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

The Minnesotan is having a fine campaign thus far with two goals and 18 points in just 36 games -- which would put him on pace for his first 40+ point season since 2013-14. While his power-play production has decreased (likely due to the presence of a healthy John Carlson and emerging Dmitry Orlov), Niskanen should continue to produce solid totals in standard leagues, particularly if his 2.8% shooting percentage returns to his career averages. Keep playing him with confidence.

Niskanen registered two assists, four PIM and three hits during Friday's 4-3 shootout win against the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

After going pointless in seven straight, Niskanen has taken it upon himself to reach the scoresheet in bunches. The blueliner has back-to-back multi-point outings -- two goals and two helpers -- and now sits on a three-game point streak. It's likely the 30-year-old comes back down to earth, but if you're feeling lucky, ride this hot spell into the ground.

Niskanen scored his first two goals of the season Tuesday, potting both in the third period (with one on the power play) in a 4-2 win over the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

The two teams exited the second intermission deadlocked at 2-2, but Niskanen secured the win with a goal 1:34 into the final frame and iced it with his power-play tally in the final two minutes. With a dozen points in 27 games, he's providing fantasy value in deeper formats.