Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin.
Ovechkin moves back to the "first line". The Great 8 has points in each of his last three games and four in his last five.
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Washington Capitals News
Alex Ovechkin was wearing gray on the second line, something that is a very rare occurrence for practices.
While Ovechkin's line may be called the second line, the Caps have closer to two first lines. The Great 8 continues to struggle with 11 goals and 23 points over 32 games.
Alex Ovechkin had ice pack on right forearm but insisted everything was OK. #Caps
Don't expect Ovechkin to miss any playing time. The superstar has a pedestrian nine goals and 21 points through 28 games. If he has any further complications, we will update you.
8-90-28
Ovechkin once again gets new linemates as his struggles continue. Will he break out of his slump where he only produced one assist over five games?
Alex Ovechkin left practice briefly Monday after suffering a cut to his forehead, above his right eye, but returned quickly to finish the remainder of the drills. Ovechkin did not take part in the bag skate at the conclusion of the workout, however.
Doesn't sound like anything serious and certainly won't keep Ovi out of the lineup. Through seven games he has three goals and seven points.
Based on similar players, it looks like Carlson might take a step back this season, which makes sense because he played against the toughest competition the team faced at even strength and dominated despite being a rookie. Performances like that are usually subject to some regression.
Carlson might be due for a regression before continuing his development into a very solid NHL defender. Last season he scored seven goals and 37 points through 80 games. He already holds one assist through two games but loses PP time to Dennis Wideman on the second unit.
“I think he’s got a long way to go to get to where he needs to be and should be,” Boudreau said after Ovechkin was a minus-2 in the Capitals’ wild 6-5 shootout win over the Lightning. “He’s our No. 1 player, but he can be better, there’s no doubt about it.”
The Caps are scoring at a higher rate again but Ovechkin is not contributing enough for coach Bruce Boudreau's liking. Through his first two games, the superstar has contributed to only one of the team's 10 goals and holds a minus-2 rating despite the teams +2 goal differential.
Ovi on top line
Sounds like Ovechkin will play tonight. Last season, the consensus fantasy hockey first overall pick scored 32 and 85 points -- both the lowest totals of his career. Expect him to return to the 50-goal, 100-point range this season.
Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin is expected to arrive on a direct flight from Moscow to Washington-Dulles airport Friday afternoon and the club’s plan is to have him in the lineup Saturday night for its season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Ovechkin could decide not to play the season opener, which would open the door for one of Marcus Johansson or Mathieu Perreault. Last season, the consensus fantasy hockey first overall pick scored 32 and 85 points -- both the lowest totals of his career. Expect him to return to the 50-goal, 100-point range this season.
Alex Ovechkin will miss at least three days of practice while he attends to his family following the death of his uncle, but is hoping to return from Russia on Friday and play in the Capitals’ regular season opener Saturday night at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Ovechkin will not miss a game due to his family tragedy. ast season, the consensus fantasy hockey first overall pick scored 32 and 85 points -- both the lowest totals of his career. Expect him to return to the 50-goal, 100-point range this season.
Alex Ovechkin will be returning to Moscow to attend to his family after the death of a close relative in Moscow, Russia
Early reports indicate Ovechkin will not miss the season opener. Last season, the consensus fantasy hockey first overall pick scored 32 and 85 points -- both the lowest totals of his career. Expect him to return to the 50-goal, 100-point range this season.
Call up / Send down
As expected, defenseman Dylan McIlrath, the 10th overall pick in the 2010 draft, was returned to his junior club, Moose Jaw, of the Western Hockey League.
No immediate fantasy hockey value in the WHL
McIlrath continues to show the growth, both physically and in his game, over the past year, though he’s not ready to make the jump from juniors to the NHL.
Feel more-than-safe crossing McIlrath off your draft sheet.
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