Capitals defenseman John Carlson missed the last four games of the regular season due to a lower-body injury.
“It’s nothing serious at all,” Head Coach Barry Trotz said of Carlson’s injury last week. “Where we are right now, we just felt, let’s not put anything at risk and let everybody heal.” On Sunday, Trotz added that he was “very confident” Carlson would be ready for Game One of the Capitals’ first-round matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
That may not be the case. On Tuesday, during the Capitals’ first playoff practice of the year, Carlson was relegated to the team’s “extra” or fourth defensive pairing with Taylor Chorney. It was Carlson’s first full practice with the team since being injured.
Schmidt still with Alzner this morning and Carlson is in extra pair with Chorney
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 11, 2017
Carlson later skated with the team’s second power-play unit.
Carlson was on second power-play unit, as he normally would be, so that's an encouraging sign for his health.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 11, 2017
Carlson’s normal partner, Karl Alzner, remained on a pairing with Nate Schmidt, whom Barry Trotz described last month as the team’s “seventh defenseman.”
Schmidt has been paired with Alzner all practice. Carlson has been with Chorney.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 11, 2017
In 88:34 together this season, Alzner and the possession-dominant Schmidt were underwater, combining for a 49.0 shot attempt percentage. Alzner has struggled mightily this season, dragging down nearly every player he’s skated with.
After practice, Trotz somewhat downgraded his expectation for Carlson to play in Game One. Trotz said “we’ll see” before adding Carlson would “probably” suit up.
Trotz says he expects Carlson to "probably be a go" for Game 1. Same for Connolly. Just eased them back in today.
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) April 11, 2017
If Carlson for some reason can't go, Trotz isn't worried. Said Schmidt has done well filling in and he's confident in Caps depth at defense.
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) April 11, 2017
Carlson avoided talking about his status when speaking to reporters.
John Carlson did not say whether he is going to be ready to play on Thursday or not. He said "right now it doesn't matter."
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) April 11, 2017
Headline photo: Cara Bahniuk
