Ovechkin Takes Ice For Capitals Morning Skate, Still Not Cleared

The Washington Capitals got a positive sign on the injury front on Long Island, as captain Alex Ovechkin was on the ice for the team’s morning skate ahead of Thursday’s tilt with the New York Islanders.

Per The Washington Post’s Samantha Pell, Ovechkin was on the ice in a regular jersey, but Conor Sheary was mainly on that top line during rushes. The team also said that he hasn’t been cleared to return yet.

Ovechkin is currently day-to-day with an upper-body injury and missed Tuesday’s home finale, a 4-1 loss against the Islanders. He suffered the injury back on Sunday after tripping over Erik Kallgren’s stick and falling awkwardly into the boards. He took part in the team photo on Monday and was honored in a pregame ceremony on Tuesday. This is the first time he has skated since.

The 36-year-old leads the Capitals with 50 goals and 90 points through 77 games this season. Having him back on the ice is a major positive as the team readies for the postseason. However, it’s unclear whether or not he will play yet. Head coach Peter Laviolette said on Tuesday that team won’t rush his return.

“We’re going to evaluate it and do the best thing for Alex,” Laviolette said. “…There’ll be nothing that we jump into that we don’t need to or if it’s not right.”