ARLINGTON, Va. -- Washington Capitals defenceman Tom Poti is undergoing surgery for a broken orbital bone, meaning he will miss Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens and is out indefinitely after getting hit in the eye by a puck.Defenceman Karl Alzner has been called up from Hershey of the American Hockey League to take Poti's spot. Alzner was paired with John Carlson during the regular season in Hershey, which has their own playoff game against the Albany River Rats on Tuesday.
Coach Bruce Boudreau says Tuesday that Poti has "a pretty significant injury" and could be sidelined two to three weeks -- or longer -- if the Capitals stay in the playoffs by winning Wednesday night's deciding game of their first-round series.
Poti was hurt in Montreal's 4-1 home victory in Game 6 on Monday night.
Poti is tied for the team lead with four assists this post-season, and he and rookie John Carlson have formed Washington's top defensive pairing against Montreal.
Boudreau also says he has decided on a goalie for Game 7, but he wouldn't announce a starter.
