Capitals' John Carlson: Expected to return for Game 1

Carlson (rest) is slated to play in Game 1 of Washington's first-round series against Montreal on Monday, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports Saturday.

Carlson hasn't been in the lineup since last Saturday, so he should be well-rested for the beginning of the postseason. He finished the regular season with five goals, 51 points, 49 hits and 131 blocks across 79 outings. Based on Saturday's practice, Carlson could skate on the top pairing alongside Jakob Chychrun versus the Canadiens in Game 1.