Capitals list Alex Ovechkin as day-to-day after scary crash into boards
Anthony Scultore
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The Washington Capitals have listed forward Alex Ovechkin as day-to-day with an upper-body injury after having to leave Sunday’s game against Toronto in the third period.
Washington (44-23-12, 100 points) eventually lost to the Maple Leafs in a shootout and are three points behind the Boston Bruins for the first wild card in the Eastern Conference but one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for third in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals have already clinched a playoff berth.
Ovechkin, 36, has 90 points (50 goals, 40 assists) in 77 games this season. His goal total ranks fourth in the NHL and he’s third in the league all-time with 780. He’s currently 21 goals behind Gordie Howe (801) for second all-time as he goes for Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.
The Capitals will play Tuesday against the New York Islanders and it remains to be seen if Ovechkin will miss time.
Ovechkin injured in against Maple Leafs
Ovechkin appeared to injure his shoulder when he tripped over Toronto’s Erik Kallgren’s stick after missing on a breakaway. With his footing gone, he slid into the end boards and left the ice in obvious pain and discomfort.
“I think he skated into my stick and tripped on it. So it was not my intention to trip him and I hope he’s well,” Kallgren said after the game. “… Obviously, he was frustrated. I didn’t mean to trip him. I didn’t mean to cause an injury so I hope he’s fine.”
“I just talked to him, and I think he’ll be all right,” T.J. Oshie said via The Washington Post. “It’s always scary seeing him go down and lay on the ice. He’s a tough guy.”
Ovechkin has only missed two games this season due to COVID-19 in February.
A three-time Hart Trophy winner as the league’s most valuable player, the Russian star is in his 17th NHL season, all with the Capitals. His career high of 65 goals in a season came in 2007-08, his first Hart Trophy season, as did his best of 112 points.
Ovechkin has never played less than 68 games in a full 82 game season. He’s played at least 81 games 7 times in 17 years including 4 full 82 game seasons.
Ovechkin all smiles at team photo-shoot
Today, the Washington Capitals held their team photo-shoot and Alex Ovechkin was present. The team captain did not look any worse for wear and even helped owner Ted Leonsis across the ice.
According to site MoneyPuck, they have the Washington Capitals with a 67.5% of capturing third place in the Metropolitan Division over the Pittsburg Penguins. The Caps trail them by a point but have a game in hand.
The Penguins finish the season with two home games (4/26 vs Oilers and 4/29 vs Blue Jackets). The Caps final three games feature two on the road (4/26 vs Islanders, 4/28 @ Islanders, and 4/29 @ Rangers).
