Alexandre Carrier: Ovechkin’s check hurt more than Wilson’s

Alexandre Carrier was stunned by Tom Wilson in Game 4 of the CH’s series against the Capitals. He doesn’t consider it a dirty hit, but it hurt.

The defenseman was still able to play in Game 5.

He didn’t necessarily feel good during warm-up… but he didn’t want to miss the game:

“I didn’t feel very comfortable during the warm-up period, but I really didn’t want to miss the match!”

– Alexandre Carrier on game #5

– RDS (@RDSca) May 2, 2025

We also know that the defender had an ankle injury.

And on that front, Carrier said he hurt himself after receiving a check from Alex Ovechkin in the series.

“I injured my ankle on the first Alex Ovechkin I took in the series.”

Carrier confirmed when his ankle injury came about.

– Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) May 2, 2025

To refresh your memory… :

Ovi went for the big hit on Carrier but missed and nearly ended up in the Habs bench pic.twitter.com/GzDZfoOQZw

– Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 27, 2025

The Quebecer insisted on playing the same way and it shows just how brave he is.

He knew he could help his club and that’s why he wanted to be in uniform. But that’s Alexandre Carrier: we got to know him as soon as he joined the Canadiens in December, and it wasn’t long before we realized just how good he is.

Carrier has been successful in his own way in Montreal this season, and has had a huge impact on the club’s performance in the second half of the campaign.

Even he didn’t know he was going to be such a big part of the team:

“I was excited to come here. Did I think I was going to have that kind of impact on the team in the playoffs? No. It was a great learning experience and I look forward to next season.”

Alex Carrier on his time in Montreal since being traded.

– Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) May 2, 2025

Carrier also talked about his club’s powerplay and said that the guys were impressed to see “the teenagers” play.

The first unit of Demidov, Caufield, Suzuki, Hutson and Slafkovsky has had some success in recent playoff games, and the youngsters have been impressive to watch.

It looks promising for what’s to come. And Cole Caufield agrees with me:

“The future is bright in Montreal!”

– Cole Caufield

– RDS (@RDSca) May 2, 2025

In gusto

– Jacob Fowler practices in the starter’s net this morning.

Jacob Fowler in the starter’s net this morning in Cleveland. Accompanying him on the ice is Luke Cavallin pic.twitter.com/SywObjNNF

– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) May 2, 2025

– David Reinbacher is on the ice too. Yet Pascal Vincent said earlier this week that the defenseman wasn’t going to skate on game day…

David Reinbacher is on the ice this morning for the Rocket’s morning training session in Cleveland. On Wednesday, Pascal Vincent told us that the organization didn’t want to see him on skates twice a day. We seem to have taken another step in his case.

– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) May 2, 2025

– Lou Lamoriello doesn’t want to retire.

Lou Lamoriello never had any intention of retiring and he has not ruled out remaining in the game if teams are interested. He has spoken with several colleagues around the league who reached out after his time with #Isles ended.

– Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) May 2, 2025

– Good choices.

Presenting the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy finalists. #NHLAwards

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the “player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to field hockey.” pic.twitter.com/zfnKyPiChn

– NHL (@NHL) May 2, 2025

– Yikes.

And nobody (except the hitters) is happy. https://t.co/VBIXcejBwF

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) May 2, 2025