The Washington Capitals announced that star player Alex Ovechkin is currently listed as 'week to week' due to a lower leg injury. The team made this statement on Tuesday, following Ovechkin's evaluation in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, where he was subsequently placed on injured reserve, as reported by Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery also confirmed that the injury is not expected to be season-ending, with a more precise timeline for his return anticipated after further evaluation on Thursday.
Ovechkin sustained the injury during the Capitals' recent game against the Utah Hockey Club, which they won decisively with a score of 6-2. The injury occurred in the third period as Ovechkin collided with Utah's Jack McBain. Despite his attempts to skate off the injury, he struggled to put weight on his left leg and ultimately left the game for the locker room. Prior to the injury, Ovechkin was demonstrating remarkable scoring form, having netted five goals in the previous two games, bringing his career total to 868 goals. He is now 26 goals away from equaling Wayne Gretzky's all-time goalscoring record.
Ovechkin has been renowned for his durability throughout his 19-year NHL career, consistently serving as Washington’s standout player. In the 2021-22 season, he recorded 50 goals and 40 assists over 77 games, while the 2022-23 season concluded with 42 goals and 33 assists in 73 games. During the last season, he gathered 31 goals and 34 assists in 79 games but fell short in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy, awarded to the league's leading goalscorer. This season, however, Ovechkin has reclaimed his scoring prowess, leading the NHL with 15 goals in 18 games. With Ovechkin sidelined, the Capitals face challenges in maintaining their offensive production, particularly with T.J. Oshie also out for the season due to a back injury. Nevertheless, Connor McMichael has emerged as a notable contributor, tallying 12 goals through 18 games in what is shaping up to be a breakout season for the forward. The Capitals currently sit atop the Metropolitan Division with a record of 13-4-1, but will have to navigate a difficult path to maintain their lead against strong contenders such as the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers.
