Capitals unsure if Alex Ovechkin will play Tuesday vs. Islanders originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Alex Ovechkin was held out of Saturday's game against the New York Islanders due to a lower-body injury and, at least at this point, it is possible he could miss Tuesday's game in Washington, too.
"Will [Ovechkin] be there for the next game? I’m not sure at this point," head coach Peter Laviolette said.
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Daniel Sprong was inserted into Ovechkin's spot on the top line and played well with two goals in the 6-3 win.
Saturday was the fifth game Ovechkin has missed this season, but the first he has missed due to injury. The first four came while he was on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list. He did not play at the end of regulation or at all in overtime of Thursday's win on Long Island. He also did not participate in Friday's optional skate or Saturdays' morning skate.
Ovechkin does not miss many games due to injury so it is always notable whenever he is not in the lineup. The last tine it happened for injury was in 2015. As much as the Caps would like to get him back into games, Laviolette stressed the team would be cautious with its captain so close to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
There are just eight regular-season games remaining and Washington is in first place in the East Division by one point over the Pittsburgh Penguins and three over the Islanders.
"We’ll err on the side of caution at this point in the season," Laviolette said. "We’re not going to risk anything as we head towards the playoffs, but hopefully he continues to improve.”
