The Washington Capitals announced Monday morning that team captain Alex Ovechkin is listed “day-to-day” with an upper body injury. Ovechkin was injured in the third period of Sunday nights game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
#Caps captain Alex Ovechkin sustained an upper-body injury on Sunday versus Toronto and is listed as day-to-day.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 25, 2022
Ovechkin sustained his injury after being tripped by the Maple Leafs goaltender Erik Kallgren on a rush, causing Ovechkin to slide into the boards. He would leave the ice under his own power but not return to the game.
Capitals forward T.J. Oshie spoke with Ovechkin following the game, and believes he’ll be alright.
“I’ve never met anyone tougher than that guy,” said Oshie. “We all hope he’s fine. I just talked to him and I think he’ll be all right. It’s always scary seeing ‘Big 8’ go down and lay on the ice. He’s a tough guy. But if there was anyone I would imagine wouldn’t miss any more time than he needs to, it’d be ‘8.”’
The Capitals will have the day off on Monday, but will be taking their annual team photo, so Ovechkin will most likely participate. Other than that, it’s likely we wont get much of an update on Ovechkin until the team’s gameday morning skate on Tuesday.
By Jon Sorensen
OK. I assume then that he does not have either a broken collarbone or dislocated shoulder. Both of those would be at least 6 weeks plus rehab. Even for Ovi.
Assuming he can come back this season, at what level? We have seen Backstrom hindered by his hip rehab. While his shooting and passing have been fine, his movement on the ice has deteriorated.
A shoulder/arm/chest injury has to affect Ovi’s shot. Not just his power but his accuracy. So even if he returns, will he be productive? I know his heart will be in it, his desire will be as strong as ever, but will the injury’s lingering effects make him ineffective?
I think this is pretty good news. Nothing broken or dislocated. Bruises will heal in a few days.
pulled and torn muscles linger longer. Not that I want the issue to be pulled or torn muscles (any more than broken or dislocated bones) but bruises don’t normally stop Ovi.
Good news!
That is definitely good news. Nothing broken or dislocated.
Praise the lord.
Will be interesting to see if he plays these next couple of games. Home tomorrow night for final game so there may be some limited (self imposed pressure) to play. But Novafyre is right that those muscle injuries can have an impact even though tagged as “ok”. Will be interesting to see what happens this week. But Lavi seems committed to the playoff lineup to finish the season. Frankly, I thought Oshie and Backstrom would sit against AZ.
I never felt that moving up or down within the playoff 8 teams would benefit the Caps so I expected Lavi to rest more of the vets even though he has shown that he prefers them to the prospects. I am mixed about the news that Ovi is a game time decision. Yes, as Willy said, that is how he catches Wayne, and yes, I want the Caps faithful to enjoy every minute of his wonderful career. On the other hand, I am worried about the injury. With Ovi’s drive and passion for the sport, would he voluntarily take himself out? If not, would any coach have the balls to hold him out?
To me what will be interesting is who sits against the Rangers. Especially if that is round 1 opponent. This will get firey because if I am GM, I send Fever and McMichael to AHL (waiver exempt). I bring up Malenstyn (physical) and play AJF and Malensyn and also sit Wilson (and OV). If Caps space works I also bring up Sgarbossa or Protas and sit Oshie or Backstrom. Boston did this to us last year and we played Providence instead of Bruins.
It’s always ‘just play our game” but in other sports, teams do change according to the opponent they are playing. Your idea to me has merit. But our ‘vets only’ staff wouldn’t like it.