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Peter Laviolette ‘hoping’ Alex Ovechkin will be available Game 1 of playoffs

By Matt Weyrich

Laviolette ‘hoping’ Ovechkin will be available Game 1 of playoffs originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

Alex Ovechkin hasn’t missed a playoff game in his entire career, but his status for the Capitals’ postseason opener next week is uncertain after he suffered an upper-body injury against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday.

The 36-year-old exited the contest after being tripped up and crashing into the boards during the third period. He didn’t suit up for Washington’s game against the New York Islanders on Tuesday and head coach Peter Laviolette told 106.7 The Fan’s Sports Junkies the next morning Ovechkin wouldn’t have played even if it was a playoff game.

“He’s day-to-day right now and so for me, I certainly hope that it’s nothing that’s long term,” Laviolette said. “We’re gonna do the right things. He comes in yesterday, he’s trying to see where he’s at and see if he can get himself prepared. Right now, for me, it doesn’t make sense to go back in the lineup…with the end of the season coming up here, I don’t think we want him back until he’s 100%. I’m certainly hoping that for Game 1 he’s ready and available.”

After picking up a 4-1 loss to the Islanders, the Capitals sit in the second Wild Card spot one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for third place in the Metropolitan Division. They have two games left on their schedule: another matchup with the Islanders on Thursday and Friday’s regular season finale against the New York Rangers.

Washington will likely have to play those final two games without the help of Ovechkin, who ranks fourth in the NHL with 50 goals scored this season. The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is scheduled to get underway beginning Monday.

All about Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info

By NBC Sports Washington Staff
All about Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonEver since making his NHL debut in 2005, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has proven to be the greatest goalscorer the sport has ever seen.The 2004 No. 1 overall pick scored two goals in his first career game and hasn't stopped finding the back of the net at record pace, putting him within reach of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals mark. Ovechkin has compiled an impressive trophy case along the way, winning three Hart Memorial Trophy MVPs, a record nine Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the NHL's leading goal scorer, nine NHL First-Team selections, 12 all-star selections, the 2018-19 Stanley Cup title and the Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of that year's playoffs.He is undoubtedly one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Alex Ovechkin's BioHeight: 6-foot-3Weight: 238 poundsBirthdate: Sept. 17, 1985 Birthplace: Moscow, RussiaNHL experience: 17 seasonsJersey No. 8Alex Ovechkin's Career StatsAfter showing no signs of slowing down with a 50-goal season in Year 17, Ovechkin has continued to put up mind-boggling stats deep into his 30s. Here are his complete career numbers to date (through Oct 11, 2022): 1,274 games played780 goals scored630 assists1,410 pointsStanley Cup Playoffs:141 games71 goals64 assists135 pointsAlex Ovechkin's Contract DetailsIt was always a matter of "when" and not "if" Alex Ovechkin would sign a contract extension with the Capitals this past offseason. The five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed at the end of July 2021 showed his desire to finish his career in the nation's capital with an eye towards breaking the all-time goals record as well. Ovechkin's deal ends following the 2025-26 season. Where does Alex Ovechkin rank on the all-time goals list? Ovechkin finished his 17th NHL season with a clean 50 goals, bringing his career total to 780. Here's where that ever-growing mark ranks on the all-time goals leaderboard: Wayne Gretzky: 894Gordie Howe: 801Alex Ovechkin: 780Jaromir Jagr: 766Brett Hull: 741Other Alex Ovechkin RecordsMuch has been made about Ovechkin's all-time goals chase, but he's also accumulated some other pretty impressive records along the way as well. Most recently, Ovi broke the all-time power play goals mark with his 275th score on New Year's Eve against the Red Wings. By a second, he narrowly beat the release of Detroit's man in the penalty box to secure the record. Here are some of the Great 8's other all-time NHL records: Most scoring titles: nineMost overtime goals: 24Most consecutive 30-goal seasons: 15 (tied with Jaromir Jagr and Mike Gartner)
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