WASHINGTON Alex OvechkinDid not skate with him Washington CapitalsHis status is uncertain as the playoffs begin less than a week from now.
Ovechkin was placed on the day-to-day list with an upper-body injury. Coach Peter Laviolette gave Ovechkin a game-time call to face the New York IslandersIn the third and final game of the regular season. Laviolette asked him if he was optimistic that Ovechkin will be available for the first round.
After Washington's morning skating, Laviolette stated that she wanted to hope so but wasn't sure. “It all depends on how things progress, so it is day to day right here.”
Ovechkin fell over Erik Kallgren, Toronto's goaltender, and hit the boards with his left shoulder first in the third period of Sunday night. shootout lossTo the Maple Leafs. He lay on the ice, in pain, and then he skated off.
During his 17-year NHL tenure, the Russian winger has missed just 24 games because of injuries. He has never missed a playoff match.
“He's always here, and he plays constantly,” longtime teammate Nicklas Backstrom said. “His style and play is dangerous. You're likely to be hurt. He is mentally strong, but I don't know why. He is a fighter through all odds. He does it because he's a man. He doesn't miss games. It doesn't matter what he's in pain. He's one those guys that you can always count upon.”
Ovechkin this season Jaromir JagrFor third place on the career goal list, he now trails only Wayne Gretzky & Gordie Howie. This season, he has 50 goals. It is the ninth consecutive season that he has achieved this feat. He now trails only Wayne Gretzky (ninth) and Mike Bossy (ninth) for the NHL record.
Ovechkin has played 1,274 regular-season games and 141 playoff matches since 2005, when he made his debut.
Laviolette explained that sometimes there has to be luck, but he is a strong guy. He hates the idea of not playing. He doesn't like being outside so we will make sure he is in a good position to do that.
Ovechkin is expected to be out. Connor McMichaelAlongside, steps into the top-line left wing spot Evgeny KuznetsovAnd Tom Wilson. Since April 10, he has not played.
McMichael stated that it was a great opportunity for him to prove himself going into the playoffs, and also prove to coaches that he is ready to step in when the guys get hurt. “Ovi will be OK. He's a fighter, and he has been out before. He seems to always return so we look forward to having him back — whenever that may be.”
