Now, players are known to at least try to return to games after injuries, sometimes ultimately leaving such efforts unsuccessful.
So, it’s possible that the Washington Capitals should still be concerned about defenseman Nate Schmidt. The solid depth blueliner was helped off the ice after a hit by Leo Komarov of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the good news is that he was at least able to make his way back for a spin later on in the same third period.
Does that mean he’ll be OK? We’ll see. The game is entering OT - the 18th of this round, a new NHL record - so a possible Schmidt injury could put Washington at a disadvantage during “free hockey.”
The 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs set the record. Most OT games in a first round. This will be No. 18.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) April 24, 2017
It makes sense that Toronto and Washington made it a new record, as this is the fifth time in six games that they beyond regulation in this series. Wow.