The Washington Capitals announced on Tuesday that star player Alex Ovechkin is considered “week to week” due to a lower leg injury.
Following additional evaluations on Wednesday in Washington, the team placed the star captain on injured reserve, as reported by Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery also confirmed that Ovechkin’s injury is not expected to end his season. A more detailed timeline for his recovery is anticipated to be provided on Thursday after further assessments.
Alex Ovechkin sustained the injury on Monday during the Washington Capitals‘ 6-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club.
The injury happened in the third period following a collision with Utah’s Jack McBain. Ovechkin tried to continue playing but had difficulty putting weight on his left leg and eventually went to the locker room.
Ovechkin had been in the midst of a goalscoring surge, netting five goals in the Capitals’ last two games. His career goal total stands at 868, leaving him just 26 goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.
Known for his durability, Ovechkin has been one of the NHL’s most reliable forwards throughout his 19-year career and a consistent standout for Washington.
He ended the 2021-22 season with 50 goals and 40 assists in 77 games and followed up with 42 goals and 33 assists in 73 games last season. Last year, despite scoring 31 goals and 34 assists for 65 points in 79 games, he fell behind Auston Matthews for the Rocket Richard trophy, after a relatively tougher season in terms of scoring consistency.
This season, Ovechkin has regained his scoring touch, leading the NHL with 15 goals in 18 games.
Without Ovechkin, the Capitals lack a player to replace his scoring, particularly with T.J. Oshie out for the season with a back injury. However, Connor McMichael is stepping up with 12 goals in 18 games, marking his breakout year.
Currently, the Capitals lead the Metropolitan Division with a 13-4-1 record. With Ovechkin out, Washington faces a difficult challenge in maintaining their division lead against strong competitors like the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers.
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