Story Summary
Alex Ovechkin was a full participant for the Washington Capitals at practice on Thursday as he continues his recovery from a lower-body injury, coach Spencer Carbery said. The 41-year-old captain – the NHL record holder with 929 career goals – had left practice after 15 minutes on Wednesday after not skating the previous three days. Ovechkin has not yet played in the pre-season; Carbery said there is a chance he could play against the Boston Bruins on Friday but would consult athletic trainer Jason Serbus and would not definitively commit. With Washington’s pre-season finale scheduled at the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday and the regular-season opener at Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 2, Ovechkin may not play before the season starts. Carbery described Thursday’s full participation as ” a good step” and said he does not believe it is essential for Ovechkin to play in the pre-season given the veteran’s experience.
Key Facts
- Alex Ovechkin was a full participant for the Washington Capitals at practice on Thursday while recovering from a lower-body injury.
- Coach Spencer Carbery said, ” It was a good sign. Participated fully, didn’t have to take any portions off, so that’s a good step.”
- Ovechkin left practice after 15 minutes on Wednesday after not skating the previous three days because of the injury.
- The 41-year-old left wing is the NHL record holder with 929 career goals and is entering his 22nd NHL season.
- Ovechkin has not yet played in the pre-season; Carbery is unsure if Ovechkin will play against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena on Friday.
- Carbery said, ” I’m not going to definitively say one way or another. There’s a chance, but I’ll talk to (athletic trainer Jason Serbus).”
- Washington plays its pre-season finale at the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, making it possible Ovechkin won’t play before the regular-season opener at the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 2.
- Carbery said he does not think it is essential for Ovechkin to play in the pre-season, adding, ” Ideally, I guess if you ask me one or the other, I would say ‘yes’, but I don’t think it’s a real definitive (necessity) just because he’s been through this so many times.”
- A year ago Ovechkin missed the first four games of the pre-season because of a lower-body injury, returned for the final two, then played all 82 regular-season games and led the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points.
- Training camp is approximately a week shorter and the pre-season has been shortened to four games as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
IHM Discussion
Thursday’s full-practice participation is the clearest short-term indicator of Ovechkin’s recovery. Spencer Carbery called it “a good step”, noting that the forward completed the session without sitting out any portions. That encouraging sign comes after Ovechkin missed three days of skating and left Wednesday’s practice after 15 minutes.
Washington has only four pre-season games and a shorter training camp, leaving limited time before the opener. Ovechkin also missed the first four pre-season games last year with a lower-body injury before returning for the final two, then playing all 82 regular-season games and leading the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points.
Carbery would not commit on Ovechkin’s availability against Boston, saying he would first speak with athletic trainer Jason Serbus. Ovechkin could still miss the remainder of the pre-season, but the coach said he was not worried about the captain being ready for the opener.
Why It Matters
Ovechkin’s availability matters to Washington’s offence and leadership. He led the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points last season, underlining his continued importance to the lineup at age 41. Carbery’s comments indicate that the Capitals will weigh Ovechkin’s experience and readiness rather than treat pre-season action as essential.
Mini Q&A
Did Alex Ovechkin take part in Capitals practice?
Yes. Alex Ovechkin was a full participant for the Washington Capitals at practice on Thursday, coach Spencer Carbery said.
What is Ovechkin recovering from?
Ovechkin is recovering from a lower-body injury.
Has Ovechkin played in the pre-season yet?
No.
Will Ovechkin play against the Boston Bruins on Friday?
Coach Spencer Carbery said he would not definitively say one way or another; there is a chance, and Carbery will talk to athletic trainer Jason Serbus before deciding.
Could Ovechkin miss the pre-season entirely and still play the regular-season opener?
It is possible he won’t play before the regular-season opener at the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 2; the Capitals’ pre-season finale is on Saturday, and Ovechkin may not appear in either exhibition game.
How durable was Ovechkin last season?
Last season Ovechkin missed the first four pre-season games a year ago because of a lower-body injury but returned for the final two; he then played all 82 regular-season games and led the Capitals with 32 goals and 64 points.
Coach Mark Comment
A full practice is a useful progression, but it does not require an immediate pre-season appearance. For an experienced scorer such as Ovechkin, practice repetitions can help restore timing while the staff assesses how he responds before deciding on game action.
What Comes Next
Carbery said he would consult athletic trainer Jason Serbus about Ovechkin’s status; any decision about Ovechkin playing against the Boston Bruins on Friday will follow that discussion. Washington’s pre-season finale at the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday is the final exhibition opportunity before the regular-season opener at the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 2.
IHM Final View
Thursday’s full-practice participation is a positive step for Alex Ovechkin, but his game status remains unresolved. Carbery will speak with athletic trainer Jason Serbus before making a decision, and the Capitals can take a measured approach given Ovechkin’s experience and his full 82-game season last year.