Capitals forward Anthony Mantha out indefinitely following shoulder surgery

Mantha exited Thursday’s overtime loss to the Florida Panthers in the second period. He collided with teammate John Carlson during a power play. Mantha finished the shift but did not return for the final 13 minutes of the period.

The Capitals ruled him out after he was not seen on the bench at the start of the third period.

Mantha underwent surgery Friday morning. The Capitals placed him on injured reserve, recalling Aliaksei Protas from the Hershey Bears.

Mantha has two goals and four assists in 10 games this season.

The Capitals now have three of its top six forwards out on IR with Mantha’s injury. Nicklas Backstrom has been on long-term IR since the start of the regular season with a lingering hip injury from last season. Backstrom is eligible to return for Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils. However, it remains to be seen if he returns then.

TJ Oshie was placed on IR last week with a lower body injury. Oshie has been using a walking boot.

The Capitals are 5-1-4 and tied for second in the Metropolitan with the New York Rangers with 14 points.