Karl Alzner has missed the last two practices with an upper-body injury, but is expected to play in Game 1 against Pittsburgh on Thursday, Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post reports.

Alzner has missed the last two practices with an upper-body injury, but is expected to play in Game 1 against Pittsburgh on Thursday, Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post reports.

Analysis:

Coach Barry Trotz classified Alzner's absences as maintenance days and fully expects him in the lineup Thursday. Since his last goal in early March, the 27-year-old has added a mere three points and eight PIM. So unless you're chasing blocked shots -- Alzner has 56 over that span -- it's unlikely your lineup will be affected regardless of whether the defenseman plays in Game 1.