The Washington Capitals will begin Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs without defenceman Karl Alzner.
It’s unclear exactly what kind of ailment Alzner is dealing with. He has not played since logging 26:17 in Game 2 against the Maple Leafs, with the team calling it an “upper-body” injury. The 28-year-old blueliner has not missed a regular season game in seven straight campaigns.
With Alzner remaining out to start Round 2, the Capitals will ice the same lineup they did for their series-clinching win in Game 6 against Toronto, with Nate Schmidt in Alzner’s place. Schmidt saw plenty of playing time this season, but was the odd man out after Washington brought in Kevin Shattenkirk at the deadline.
The 25-year-old has been an effective offensive blue line presence, registering two assists in four post-season games against Toronto.
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