Story Summary
Alex Ovechkin may not play in the pre-season because of a lower-body injury. The 41-year-old Washington Capitals left wing missed practice Monday for a second straight day and is day to day as he begins his 22nd NHL season. Ovechkin has been practising with Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard in training camp, while coach Spencer Carbery said he expects a clearer update after two practice days.
Key Facts
- Alex Ovechkin may not play in the pre-season because of a lower-body injury.
- The 41-year-old left wing did not practice Monday for the second straight day and is day to day.
- Ovechkin has been practising on a line with Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard in training camp.
- Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said: ” Right now, we’ll see how it goes this week. We’ll be off tomorrow and then we’ll come back and have two practice days, so I’ll be able to give you a more accurate update (after that) on when we see him play and how many games.”
- After playing the Philadelphia Flyers in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Monday, Washington will have two pre-season games remaining: at home against the Boston Bruins on Friday and at Philadelphia on Saturday.
IHM Discussion
Washington are taking a cautious approach with Alex Ovechkin after the veteran missed consecutive practices with a lower-body injury. There is no timetable beyond his day-to-day designation, and Spencer Carbery was not ready to say whether he will play in the pre-season.
Ovechkin had been skating with Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard in camp, so his absence limits the time that group can spend together before the season. Carbery said Washington will have two practice days before he can offer a more accurate update on Ovechkin’s availability and potential pre-season workload.
Why It Matters
Ovechkin’s availability matters because Washington have been using him alongside Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard in camp. Any missed practice or pre-season time reduces opportunities to assess that combination in game conditions, though Carbery has not set a timeline for his return.
Mini Q&A
What is Alex Ovechkin’s injury status?
Alex Ovechkin is day to day with a lower-body injury and did not practice Monday for the second straight day; the Capitals said he may not play in the pre-season.
How old is Ovechkin and what season is he beginning?
Ovechkin is 41 years old and is beginning his 22nd NHL season.
Which line had Ovechkin been practising on in camp?
Ovechkin had been practising on a line with Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard.
What did Capitals coach Spencer Carbery say about Ovechkin’s availability?
Carbery said: ” Right now, we’ll see how it goes this week. We’ll be off tomorrow and then we’ll come back and have two practice days, so I’ll be able to give you a more accurate update (after that) on when we see him play and how many games.”
What are the Capitals’ remaining pre-season games mentioned in the report?
After playing the Philadelphia Flyers in Hershey on Monday, Washington will have two pre-season games remaining: at home against the Boston Bruins on Friday and at Philadelphia on Saturday.
Coach Mark Comment
The sensible camp approach is to avoid forcing a veteran into exhibition action before he is ready. Washington can continue to evaluate other combinations while monitoring whether Ovechkin is able to resume practice.
What Comes Next
Carbery expects to provide a more accurate update after Washington’s two practice days. – Washington’s remaining pre-season games are at home against the Boston Bruins on Friday and at Philadelphia on Saturday.
IHM Final View
Ovechkin’s status remains uncertain rather than alarming: he is day to day with a lower-body injury after missing two practices, and Carbery has not committed to him playing in the pre-season. Washington expect to know more after two practice days.