Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin has been suspended by the NHL for two games thanks to his knee-on-knee collision with Carolina defenseman Tim Gleason on Monday night.
Ovechkin injured his right knee on the play – which occured at 12 minutes, 5 seconds of the first period – and needed help leaving the ice. The injury appeared serious. And while the team shed little light on his status after a meeting with team doctors on Tuesday, Ovechkin’s injury was not catastrophic. He skated gingerly for five minutes before Tuesday’s practice and walked around the complex without crutches or a knee brace. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau did not rule out Ovechkin practicing on Wednesday.
Ovechkin will miss Thursday’s game against Florida and Saturday’s game at Philadelphia. Of course, he may not have been healthy enough to play in those games anyway. Ovechkin was assessed a major penalty on the play for kneeing and a game misconduct – his second ejection in three games. Based on his average salary, according to the NHL, Ovechkin forfeits $98,844.16. It is the first suspension of his career. He is eligible to return on Dec. 7 against Tampa Bay.
“I regret that this has happened,” Ovechkin said in a statement released by the team. “I’m glad that Tim wasn’t injured
because I never ever want to see anyone get hurt. I am disappointed to miss these games and I can’t wait to get back on the ice next week to help my team.”
