Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette announced after the team’s morning skate prior to Tuesday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes that captain Alex Ovechkin is not expected to return within the next week. It was announced earlier that the 37-year-old will be away from Washington to tend to a family matter and the health of a loved one.
Alex Ovechkin leaves Capitals to attend to family health matter. Coach Peter Laviolette does not expect Ovechkin back this week, says captain is out “for the foreseeable future.” https://t.co/fuox0Voz5D
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) February 14, 2023
The AP’s Stephen Whyno noted in the piece he tweeted that “It could be several days if he needs to fly to Russia, where his parents and other family members live. Travel restrictions in place amid Russia’s war in Ukraine have stopped all direct flights between North America and Moscow.”
With Ovechkin away, Washington subsequently recalled left-wing Joe Snively from the AHL’s Hershey Bears.
Oshie said Ovechkin addressed the #Caps before leaving this morning: “He came and talked to the boys. Definitely it’s nice to get to see him and give him a hug and let him know that we’re here for him in person rather than over text.”
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) February 14, 2023
Washington hosts the Florida Panthers on Thursday before the 2023 NHL Stadium Series at Carter-Finley Stadium vs. Carolina on Saturday. Though, it sounds like Ovechkin will likely miss both.
Head coach Peter Laviolette shares his thoughts on the team being without Alex Ovechkin, who will be away attending to a family matter, during morning skate media availability. #CapsCanes | @SociosUSA pic.twitter.com/w4TvQcCYPC
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 14, 2023
Left-wing Anthony Mantha will return vs. Carolina on Tuesday after missing Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks due to illness.
By Harrison Brown