Ovechkin Sidelined for Remainder of Preseason with Lower-Body Injury
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin will miss the team's final two preseason games because of a lower-body injury. Coach Spencer Carbery said the team is being cautious and still expects Ovechkin to be ready for the Oct. 2 season opener at Carolina. Ovechkin took part in a morning skate and had previously returned to full practice.
Washington’s captain is dealing with a lower-body issue and will not dress for either of the club’s last two exhibition contests. He skated Friday morning and had just completed his first full practice since the problem worsened. Coach Spencer Carbery said the team is prioritizing caution over exhibition reps.
A year ago, Ovechkin missed four preseason games with a comparable lower-body concern, then appeared in the final two and all 82 regular-season games, raising his NHL-record goal total to 929. Washington opens Oct. 2 at Carolina, and Carbery expects him available unless a setback occurs. In Friday’s Boston game, Ryan Leonard took Ovechkin’s left-wing spot, with Ethen Frank on the right.
Ovechkin’s preseason absence may have limited immediate impact, but it could shape how fans, teammates, and opponents prepare for Washington’s opener. If he is ready Oct. 2, interest around the Capitals and early-season NHL storylines may remain high; a setback, however, could alter expectations for the team and his career goal total. For now, the cautious approach may reassure those concerned about his longer-term availability.