ARLINGTON, V.A. — It happened in a matter of seconds. Alex Alexyev and Jake Evans were both going for the puck in the waning minutes of Game 1 between the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens when Evans went to clear the puck. He missed, and on the follow-through, hit Alexeyev in the mouth.

From there, it was a gory scene. Alexeyev had three top teeth knocked out and three of his bottom teeth chipped as he bled profusely from the mouth.

"It just was a battle for the puck, everyone's coming for the puck... I guess it's just hockey," Alexeyev said. "It happens."

He went down the tunnel for repairs and ultimately made it back for the start of overtime, but after the win, he had an emergency dentist appointment.

"(I was there) probably until 2, 2:30 a.m.," Alexeyev said. "Tried to figure out stuff over there."

The ice crew was able to recover Alexeyev's teeth that'd been knocked out, so he should be able to get those put back in as he's set to undergo more dental work after the season ends. He will be in a full face shield for likely the remainder of the playoffs; he had been in a visor and jaw protector, but said it was too foggy and switched to the bubble.

Eating and drinking have been a bit difficult for the 25-year-old, but he doesn't mind. After all, he's playing on the biggest stage in the world.

"That's right, it's playoff hockey," he said nonchalantly.

Alexeyev is drawing into the lineup with Martin Fehervary out for the remainder of the postseason and made quite an impact in his first game. He was a plus-1 through just over 14 minutes, and made good decisions with the puck, was a physical presence and played a smart, simple game.

The 6-foot-4 blueliner will be back in the mix for Game 2 against the Canadiens. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena.

"It's fun, it's fun, it's different mentality, it's just great, you know?" Alexeyev said of playing playoff hockey. "Great atmosphere, the fans are doing a great job, it's fun."