Alex Ovechkin’s return from a four-game absence ended quickly. The Washington Capitals captain exited Monday’s game against the New York Rangers after just one shift on ice.
Prior to Monday night, Ovechkin last played on Apr. 22, as he pulled up gimpy during his final shift just in the third period of a shootout win over the New York Islanders. Ovechkin did not play any shifts in overtime of that game. He’d been out since with a lower-body injury.
Capitals head coach Peter Laviotte said Ovechkin felt “really good” during Monday’s morning skate, but was “not quite as good” during warmups, per Samantha Pell of the Washington Post.
“The first shift he just didn’t feel comfortable, so at that point, again, we’re not going to push or risk,” Laviotte added. “He came out for a spin and decided to call it off.”
The Capitals were able to overcome Ovechkin’s exit, downing the Rangers 6-3. Washington is currently in first place of the East division following the win with four games remaining on the regular season.
The team had aired on caution with Ovechkin’s injury with the playoffs approaching. It’s unclear how much of a setback this will be for their leader in their quest for another Stanley Cup.
