The Washington Capitals fell 4-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs which was bad as they blew a 3-1 third period lead. Before that debacle happened, however, something worse happened when Alex Ovechkin missed on a breakaway chance.
Ovechkin came crashing into the boards after an obvious trip but no call. The team called it an upper body injury. After the game, Capitals Head Coach Peter Laviolette said he hadn’t spoken to trainers before the media availability.
The Caps canceled practice today but still held their annual team photo at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The team announced that Ovechkin is listed as day to day. Ovechkin participated in the team photo and was in full uniform.
Alex Ovechkin is indeed here for the Capitals team photo. He’s helping Ted Leonsis onto the ice. pic.twitter.com/8h1LCdKxQH
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) April 25, 2022
The Capitals will hold a morning skate tomorrow prior to their game against the New York Islanders. Earlier in Sunday’s game, Ovechkin blocked a shot in the first period off his leg. Ovechkin was skating 20 miles per hour in the third period on that breakaway attempt but Maple Leafs goaltender Erik Kallgren reached out with his stick.
As Kallgren attempted to poke the puck away he ended up tripping the Capitals captain. Ovechkin’s shoulder was in the most pain as he slammed into the boards. Ovechkin was furious at the officials and rightfully so as there was no call on the play. He even tossed his helmet on his way down the tunnel.
Ovechkin missed the final 17:57 of the game as well as the overtime and shootout. It was his left shoulder that he was favoring. Oshie was optimistic after the game that the great eight would be OK telling the media that they did speak in the locker room.
Ovechkin was not only in full gear for the team photo but he helped assist team owner Ted Leonsis on the ice. In my opinion, Ovechkin did reach his 50 goals this season so it wouldn’t hurt to rest him the final two games to make sure he’s fresh for Game 1.