I can't help but wonder how much Fehervary's absence in the postseason affected them. That's not to say I think they'd have beaten the Hurricanes if he'd been playing. I don't. One defenseman isn't going to make that much of a difference.
But I do wonder to what extent Fehervary's absence contributed to the overall woes, especially insofar as it resulted in Alexeyev being thrust into the lineup after essentially not having played all year (he played a total of eight regular-season games). That also makes me wonder to what extent it's a mistake to roll exactly the same defensive lineup all year if it means one guy always gets scratched and gets basically no in-game NHL experience. It has to contribute to rust.
Carbs said Marty's injury was a pretty big factor in the playoffs. I guess I never thought
that much of Marty...but if he was a BIG factor...then we really do have issues on the back end...
Alexeyev was our 2018 first round draft pick (31), and I see that the Caps announced yesterday that they did not extend him a qualifying offer. When I spoke with Ross Mahoney in Toronto at the HHoF back in February of 2019...we were there for the Caps ring presentation for display in the Hall...they were
really high on him. I guess after 7 years in the system, he never did take that next step and the Caps may be ready to move on...
