The Washington Capitals made an important decision for defenseman Alex Alexeyev on Saturday, assigning him to the AHL's Hershey Bears on a conditioning loan.
He can spend up to 14 days down in Hershey before coming back up.
Coach Spencer Carbery said that the decision came from wanting to get Alexeyev some game action and keeping him fresh amid numerous healthy scratches.
"Just with the length of time that he hasn't played a game, I felt like it was a good opportunity to get him into some game action and just make sure that he's staying ready for when his number's called," Carbery said. "Because when you sit for a long time, you get a little bit worried as coaches of having not seen game action for such a long time."
How Are The Capitals' Regular Scratches Faring Without Playing Time? Dylan McIlrath Offers Insight
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Dylan McIlrath wasn't oblivious to his role when he made the full-time jump up to the NHL this season, knowing that his games with the Washington Capitals would be few and far between as a seventh defenseman.
The 6-foot-4 blueliner has played in just five games this season for the Capitals. His last game came on Nov. 8 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he has sat now for 46 consecutive games.
Defenseman Dylan McIlrath, who has been a regular scratch this season, said that he and Alexeyev have been trying to make the most of the situation, but admitted it's difficult at times.
"There's good days and bad days during these stretches, but we just try to keep our spirits up. We try to have fun with each other, making sure there's a balance of having fun but staying competitive on the ice with each other and pushing each other," McIlrath said, adding, "We're trying to just mentally be there for each other, and it's been good. We've gotten a lot closer."