Beauvillier Joins Ovechkin as Capitals Face Canadiens in Playoffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two weeks ago, Anthony Beauvillier was a healthy scratch, sidelined by Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery for a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. “His level of play had dipped a bit,” Carbery noted Saturday. But in the fast-paced world of hockey, circumstances can change quickly. With just over 48 hours until the start of the first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens, the Quebec native found himself skating alongside Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome on the top line.

This surprising turn of events came at the end of a season characterized by twists and turns. The trio was assembled after Carbery was forced to experiment following the injury of Aliaksei Protas, who suffered a foot injury in the game against the Hawks on April 4. Protas, the team’s third-highest scorer, has not returned to practice and his status for Game 1 remains uncertain.

“We’ve played three games together and we’ve done some good things,” Beauvillier said, reflecting on his new role. “Alex, we know where he likes to position himself. Strome has so much patience with the puck that he creates space for his teammates. In the playoffs, it’s all about focusing on the details to win, whether you’re on the first or fourth line. I want to keep it simple, work hard, and bring speed.”

Despite his recent struggles, with only two goals and five points in 18 games since being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins at the trade deadline, Carbery appreciates how Beauvillier complements the star power of Ovechkin and Strome.

“He’s done a really good job with those two,” Carbery observed. “He complements them well with the pace of his game. He’s the first player on the forecheck, he’s good at pursuing the puck, and when he gets it, he’s excellent at maintaining control with his skating and quickness.”

Carbery added, “He’s not the biggest player, but he’s not afraid to go to the net and win battles in the crease. He’s been very good on this line. We’ll see what we do on Monday.”

This positive development is reflective of the eventful season for the 27-year-old player, who started the year with the Penguins. Had it not been for the trade that sent him to the rival Capitals in early March, Beauvillier might have already been hitting the golf courses. Instead, he has had a front-row seat to Ovechkin’s pursuit of the goal-scoring record while beginning the playoffs next to the legend himself – against his childhood team.

“Playing with these two great players in the same season is crazy when you think about it,” Beauvillier smiled. “For me, it’s a privilege to be on Ovechkin’s line. I will try to make the most of this opportunity and do my best to play at my highest level.”

The first two games of the series will take place in the nation’s capital before moving to Montreal, a city familiar to Beauvillier, who hails from Sorel-Tracy. He will likely not need additional motivation when he steps onto the ice at the Bell Centre.

“It’s going to be really cool,” he said. “When it’s the playoffs in Montreal, the city is always about hockey. There’s a great atmosphere. I don’t know if I have many friends who are going to root for me, but I’m sure it will be a fantastic experience.”