Karl Alzner is one of the Capitals’ most valuable defenseman and penalty killers, and at times in the Capitals’ 4-3 overtime loss, the team could have used their Iron Man, who sat out of his first game (regular season and playoffs) since he became a regular in the Caps’ lineup.

Tonight’s game was the first time the Capitals were without the longtime defensive stalwart since Game 6 of the 2010 Eastern Comference Quarter Finals against the Montreal Canadiens on April 26, 2010. Since then, Alzner has set the franchise record for consecutive games played and established himself as their best shutdown blueliner.

In 82 games played during the regular season, Alzner recorded 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) while averaging 19:47 of ice time. He once again led the Caps in blocked shots, with 162, and finished with a plus/minus rating of plus-23.

A pending unrestricted free agent, Alzner has set himself up for a nice pay raise from his $2.8 million salary.

By Michael Fleetwood