Captain Alex Ovechkin told the media prior to the Washington Capitals‘ game against the Boston Bruins on Saturday (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington) that the team’s play during his four-game absence “was a great response by our teammates and by our team. We collecting points, and that’s the most important thing. I’m happy for the new guys who have the opportunity to step up and play well. It was fun to watch.” The Capitals went 3-0-1 without Ovechkin, who had COVID-19 antibodies.
The 35-year-old is eligible to play against the Bruins on Saturday and said that “We will see” when asked whether he feels ready to play.
Ovechkin said that missing four games “sucks, obviously” and “obviously, no one wants to be suspended” but it’s over.
On whether he agreed with the NHL’s decision to suspend him for breaking COVID-19 protocol, Ovechkin responded that “rules are rules.”
He said that he feels that “I feel very rested and ready to go.” Ovechkin added that he worked out and ran during his quarantine since he has not been able to skate on the ice.
Caps captain Alex Ovechkin talks with the media after returning to practice on Saturday.#ALLCAPS | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/NNy6C2ohQC
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 30, 2021
By Harrison Brown
