The Caps have released a full statement by star left wing Alex Ovechkin about his hit on Chicago’s Brian Campbell and his two-game suspension by the NHL. Not much I can add here. Ovechkin took just three questions from the assembled media at the morning skate today in Sunrise, Fla. The Blackhawks, by the way, announced today that Campbell will miss seven-to-eight weeks with a broken collarbone and a broken rib. No surgery is expected. By my math – with the playoffs starting around April 14th – that puts Campbell’s return somewhere late in the second round. Not exactly great news for Chicago. But for a team with championship expectations on par with the Caps’ it will at least be a boost to get a player like Campbell back at that point in the playoffs. Here’s Ovechkin’s statement:
“I am very sorry that Brian was injured and I hope he is able to return to his team soon. NHL hockey is a physical game. We all play hard every time we are on the ice and have battles each shift in every game we play so we can do our jobs and win. As players we must accept responsibility for our actions and I am no different but I did not intend to injure Brian and that is why I was disappointed with the NHL’s decision yesterday. Every time I have the honor to play for my team, I will continue to do what I have done since I was taught to play. I will play hard, play with passion and play with respect for my teammates, opponents and fans. I look forward to returning to my team and doing everything I can to be the best player I can be.”
