The Washington Capitals said on Tuesday that star player Alex Ovechkin is week-to-week with an injury to his lower leg. The Capitals added that team doctors would examine Ovechkin further on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
Ovechkin, 39, left Monday’s 6-2 victory against Utah after a collision with forward Jack McBain. At 5:30 of the third period, Ovechkin and Utah Hockey Club forward Jack McBain both turned towards a loose puck, with their left knees colliding. Ovechkin slid on the ice on his stomach in pain before being helped to the bench before limping to the trainers’ room. Before Monday’s injury, the captain had scored twice in the Capitals 6-2 win over Utah — his 14th and 15th goals of the season — giving him five goals in the last two games and a league-leading 15 goals in 18 games. Ovechkin now moves within 27 goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 – with 868 career goals currently.
Capitals forward Nic Dowd said after the game: “Yeah, that sucks. You hate to see it. He’s been absolutely on fire and huge for our team. He’s been playing incredible hockey.” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery added: “He’s been phenomenal this year, leading the charge and our team, not only from a leadership standpoint and in the locker room, but on the ice as well. In times where you need these types of games, you need guys to step up and score or make a big play, he’s continued to do that.”
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