Players

Congratulations Karl Alzner, New Caps Iron Man

Defenseman Karl Alzner played in his 423rd consecutive regular season game on Wednesday, breaking Bobby Carpenter‘s nearly 30-year old Capitals record of 422.

For several years, frequent defensive partner John Carlson was two better than Alzner for consecutive games, but that came to a halt just 11 games ago when Carlson suffered an injury.

One of the most remarkable things about Alzner’s streak is that he’s a shot-blocking defensman who averages over 21 minutes and 28 shifts a game. Prior to Wednesday’s game, Alzner led the team with 122 blocked shots – 40 more than Niskanen, who is in second place.

Alzner averages just over 21 minutes of ice time and about 28 shifts per game. Along with Matt Niskanen, Alzner is the primary defensive penalty killer. He’s also second on the team behind Niskanen for minutes played this season. Alzner was picked 5th overall in the 2007 NHL draft.

The Capitals played an Alzner tribute video at 13:07 of the first period, with statements by former Caps Doug Jarvis and Bobby Carpenter (obviously, Ozzy’s Iron Man served as the soundtrack). As the fans and Caps were saluting Alzner, he was already lined up for a faceoff. Business as usual.

Congratulations, Karl!

A big congratulations to the Washington Capitals IronMan, Karl Alzner, on playing in 423 consecutive games! #CapsFlyers #RockTheRed

Posted by Monumental Network on Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Ben Sumner

Ben Sumner is the editor of Capitals Outsider. He also works for The Washington Post and contributes there when he gets a scoop.

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