Capitals’ Ovechkin Tests Negative For COVID-19, Cleared For Return

After six five out, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tested negative for COVID-19 and is ready to be cleared from COVID-19 protocol.

He is allowed to return to team activities and is eligible to play on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, due to Canada’s strict protocols, he cannot play Thursday in Montreal.

Ovechkin was on the ice for Tuesday’s morning skate. Head coach Peter Laviolette joked on Monday that it’s tough to keep Ovechkin out of the lineup after he misses some time on the shelf. So, it seems likely he’ll suit up against CBJ.

“Last time he was out for 10 days and you weren’t going to keep him out of the lineup,” Laviolette said. “I would imagine only being out of the lineup for six days, he’ll want to jump back in.”

Ovechkin is on the ice for morning skate. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/kVyOn5tY8O

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) February 8, 2022

The 36-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and missed the Capitals’ tilt with Edmonton. He then missed the 2022 NHL All-Star Weekend. Tom Wilson took his place alongside Evgeny Kuznetsov.

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Ovechkin has made a huge difference for Washington this season, leading the way with 29 goals and 58 points. The captain is also in the Hart conversation while ranking among league leaders in scoring.

Washington also saw other players and staff miss Monday’s optional as they awaited COVID-19 test results. Their results came back negative.