Well, if you’re going into a Game 7 with a defensive pairing made up of a 21-year-old and a 20-year old it might as well be the tested duo the Caps are trotting out against the Canadiens tonight. Karl Alzner was recalled yesterday from AHL Hershey to replace the injured Tom Poti (eye). He likely will be paired with John Carlson, his partner for much of the season at Hershey who has been up with the Caps since the Olympic break ended on March 3.
Both players have been winners at every level of hockey. Both have played at the prestigious World Junior championships and won it. Carlson’s signature moment — before his game-tying goal late in Game 2 against Montreal — was an overtime winner against Canada in January. They have played in AHL playoff games and NHL regular-season games. But this will be the harshest test for them both. They will need every bit of their noted chemistry tonight against a resourceful Canadiens team that has pushed the Caps to the brink. Alzner will be the eighth defenseman age 21 or younger to participate in the 2010 NHL playoffs. Montreal has a top prospect of its own in the lineup in P.K. Subban, a fellow AHL All-Star who was recalled for Game 6 and promptly had an assist on Mike Cammalleri‘s second goal.
“When I first got the call I was a little nervous. But now it’s weird how relaxed I am,” said Alzner, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2007 NHL draft. “It’s just about playing as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens … I just want to win. I love playoff hockey. It’s hard not to be ready for it.”
