Game-Time Decision: Ovechkin A Possibility For Capitals Opener vs. Rangers

At the Washington Capitals morning skate on Wednesday, it was as if nothing ever happened for Alex Ovechkin.

The Russian captain, who was injured in the preseason finale vs. the Flyers after a hit on Travis Konecny, took part in rushes as usual, on the top line left wing alongside Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson. Nothing appeared to be bothering him too much, and he looked solid out there.

However, he said that he’s still a game-time decision (added we reporters can write that on “the Twitter”). Head coach Peter Laviolette concurred with that statement.

“Obviously, it’s great to see him out there, there’s full participation. now we’ll go back and check with the medical department and see where he’s at,” Laviolette said.

The 36-year-old joked that he hurt his pinky toe, but said that the injury wasn’t too serious.

READ MORE ON WHN: Capitals Get Positive Signs On Backstrom, Ovechkin At Optional Skate

“It was little collision,” Ovechkin explained. “But nothing serious, so we’ll see how it goes…“It doesn’t matter what kind of injury you always try to be safe you know… We still have time to make a decision.”

Tom Wilson hadn’t caught up with Ovi to see how he felt, but wouldn’t be surprised if he drew back in.

“Again, I mean he is a special player in a lot of different ways… he hates missing games,” Wilson said. “He wants to be out there chasing all the milestones, scoring goals and helping the team win. So for him it obviously it has to be pretty serious to keep him out and he wants to play with us every night.”

If Ovechkin plays, it’ll be his first game to open his five-year extension with Washington. He needs 165 goals to break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record and must average 33 per season.

Regardless of whether or not he suits up, he’s excited to see how everything plays out, especially in a big rivalry game.

“It’s first game of the season, it’s always gonna be interesting, right?” Ovechkin said. “Everybody excited everybody kind of miss playing hockey. I think it’s gonna be better.”