Karl Alzner (Caps Outsider)
This summer, Karl Alzner signed a four-year $11.2 million contract extension. His defensive play and number of minutes shows that General Manager George McPhee made a solid decision with that extension. Although Alzner is known for being a “stay at home” defensemen, he has played well as of late in the offensive zone; Karl has two points in his last three games (one goal and one assist).
On Saturday, he scored his first goal of the season and first goal at Verizon Center in a 5-2 win against the Nashville Predators. “I was just trying to get the puck past (Mike) Fisher and not be blocked. It was not even a thought to score, my goal was to get it towards the net and it went in. I kind of saw it hit the back of the net, but it had a little bit of a tip. The goal wasn’t the point, but I’m happy that it worked out.”
“When we played the Islanders last week I think [Alzner] might have had 7 shots that night – 4 legitimate chances,” said coach Adam Oates after the game. “It doesn’t always turn into your turn, but the more we work on it, when it is his turn, we need a goal from him or a good play and he got one tonight. Every little touch he makes benefits us big picture.”
“I can hardly believe it’s my first ever goal at Verizon Center,” Alzner said. “It’s great to see Nate Schmidt get his first career goal in the same game. Adam Oates comes in and challenges the defense.”
When asked about scoring like Alex Ovechkin, Alzner stated, “It’s great to score that many goals, but that’s not what I’m here to do.”
He said he is comfortable with the puck, but will still be cautious with the puck, and won’t be stepping up as much offensively as other defensemen, like Mike Green.
Alzner and the Caps will face off against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
