Capitals Notebook: Ovechkin Misses Practice, Oshie Surprises Fan From Japan

As the Washington Capitals got back to work with a Thursday practice, captain Alex Ovechkin was absent, taking a maintenance day, per the team.

Washington has had the last two days off following a 6-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday.

Ovechkin has been vital for Washington of late, with six goals in his last eight games and 10 points in his last 11 overall. Despite missing practice, head coach Peter Laviolette said the 36-year-old is fine and expects him to return for Friday’s skate.

T.J. Oshie, meanwhile, has been skating and back at practice since returning from yet another injury. Trevor van Riemsdyk and Nic Dowd are also day-to-day, and TVR is on the injured reserve.

At Thursday’s practice, Oshie surprised a fan who traveled 7,000 miles from Japan to Arlington, V.a. to see the Capitals skate. He gifted the young fan with two signed pucks.

Traveled almost 7,000 miles for this moment #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/NY4jGOm64q

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 31, 2022

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Washington will play again on Sunday when they host Marc-Andre Fleury and the Minnesota Wild at 7 p.m. ET.