For two games of the Bruins-Capitals series, there hasn’t been a player on either team who’s eluded a check. Such black-and-blue play has not been suited to Bruin Tyler Seguin’s offensive game.

As a rookie, Seguin’s flickering battle level cost him playoff games. He was a healthy scratch for 12 postseason matches.

As a second-year pro, Seguin has shown far more courage than he did as a rookie. But in the first round, Seguin has played like he’s been hearing footsteps. His performance in all three zones has suffered as a result.

“I’ve got to do better,’’ Seguin said. “There’s a lot of areas I want to improve on. The main thing is being consistent. The playoffs is all about getting out of your comfort zone, whether it’s blocking a shot or going to the net a bit more than you’re used to.’’

Seguin is assuming significant defensive responsibilities. He and linemates Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron are taking most of their shifts against Alex Ovechkin, Brooks Laich, and Troy Brouwer.

In Game 2, Seguin and his linemates were not on the ice when Brouwer scored in the second period. They have limited Ovechkin’s line from getting any consistent offensive sniffs on Tim Thomas.

But Washington’s physical presence has made the Bruins think twice. Ovechkin could be Washington’s most punishing hitter. Laich and Brouwer are willing to scrap in the dirty areas. Because of how dangerous the rink has become, Seguin hasn’t been as thorough as he was for most of the regular season.

Early in the second period of Game 2, Seguin, facing forechecking heat, couldn’t complete a defensive-zone pass to Johnny Boychuk. Only a last-minute dive by Boychuk prevented Ovechkin from snapping off a shot.

Seguin had three shots in Game 2. He had five shots in Game 1. His linemates haven’t been much better offensively.