Alex Alexeyev participated in the Capitals’ morning skate on Wednesday, but with a noticeable new addition to his helmet.
The 25-year-old defenseman donned a full bubble face shield after a Jake Evans high stick forced him to have “significant dental work” done after Game 1.
“Yeah, [I lost] three on top and three on the bottom got chipped a little bit,” Alexeyev said. “I have them at home.”
Later, he joked, “They’re under my pillow.”
Alexeyev received two of his teeth back after a member of the Capitals Ice Crew found them on the ice during the overtime intermission and delivered them to the team’s medical staff. Alexeyev missed just the final 2:38 of regulation and returned for OT, although he did not take a shift in the extra frame.
“It’s playoff hockey,” Alexeyev said. “It’s fun, man. It’s a different mentality. It’s just great. Great atmosphere. Fans are doing a great job, so it’s really fun.”
Alexeyev started Wednesday’s skate wearing a half shield that primarily protected his jaw. NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti posted a photo of what he originally had on his helmet when he first jumped on the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.
Alexeyev later departed the skate momentarily and returned with the full bubble. He explained the switch was more due to vision than any sort of comfort concern.
“No, [I didn’t like it], too foggy,” Alexeyev said. “Couldn’t really see.”
Alexeyev confirmed he will wear the full bubble when the Capitals take the ice against the Canadiens in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Outside of some difficulty eating and drinking, he told the media that he feels “great” and is ready to go.
“A little bit [weird], yeah,” Alexeyev said. “But it’s alright. I get used to it.”
Despite Alexeyev’s confidence that he’ll be in the lineup on Wednesday, head coach Spencer Carbery would not confirm his availability for the 7:00 pm puck drop at Capital One Arena.
“You’ll find out tonight,” Carbery said. “No real update.”
Alexeyev’s status is now doubly important for the Capitals after they lost defenseman Martin Fehervary for the rest of the playoffs due to knee surgery. Alexeyev replaced Fehervary in the club’s lineup in the final game of the regular season and has skated on the third pairing with Trevor van Riemsdyk since then.
The Caps controlled play during Alexeyev’s 14:01 of five-on-five ice time in Game 1, seeing positive differentials in shot attempts (+6), scoring chances (+7), and high-danger chances (+5). Carbery also mentioned that Alexeyev may get a chance on the team’s penalty-killing unit with Fehervary out.
“I know he can do it, and we can put him in those situations if need be,” Carbery said.
The Capitals will look to go up 2-0 in their series against the Canadiens before heading to Montreal for Game 3 on Friday night. The Caps have not taken a 2-0 lead in a playoff series since their first-round matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2019.
