Sammi’s Wrap: Ovechkin’s Status, Oshie’s Strong Words For Capitals, Rutherford On Boudreau

Headed to Colorado for their final game of a three-game swing out west, the Washington Capitals are hoping to quickly put Saturday's performance in the rearview and are also anxiously awaiting an update on their captain, who missed the 6-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights with a lower-body injury.

In other league news, Jim Rutherford spoke on Bruce Boudreau's firing and the handling of the situation, and the playoff race continues to intensify.

Here's more on Ovechkin and friends, plus other news and notes from D.C. and across the NHL.

Washington Capitals

– Alex Ovechkin is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Here's what we know so far and the latest from head coach Peter Laviolette. (WHN)

– It wasn't a good time in Vegas without him, as the team fell 6-2 in what was a lackluster showing at T-Mobile Arena. (WHN)

– T.J. Oshie was less than impressed with the Capitals' effort without their captain and didn't mince words when discussing Washington's play in Sin City. (WHN)

– Oshie is also dealing with ongoing back issues and opened up about it in a great interview with Samantha Pell. (The Washington Post)

– In fun news, Tom Wilson and the Capitals will go to great lengths to make sure they don't oversleep. (WHN)

NHL

– Bruce Boudreau was finally relieved of his coaching duties by the Vancouver Canucks, and Jim Rutherford responded to the organization's (very public) handling of the situation, which weighed heavily on an emotional Boudreau in the final weeks of his tenure. (WHN)

– Speaking of former Washington coaches, is Lane Lambert the next coach to be dismissed as struggles break out on the Island? New York Islanders (NYIHN)

– What's the latest on Bo Horvat and other trade talk across the league? (OTR)

– Going into Tuesday’s tilt with the red-hot Avalanche, Washington will face one of two solid goaltenders as Darcy Kuemper makes his return to wher ehe won it all. in fact, Darryl Sutter said the Colorado duo is the best in the NHL. Colorado Avalanche (CHN)

– Kris Letang discussed his emotional time away of late and shared how he's feeling and what the support's been like from his team. Pittsburgh Penguins (PHN)

Top Shelf Takes

– Oshie's message to his team spoke volumes. Washington is just three points in front of Pittsburgh (Vitek Vanecek and the New Jersey Devils are to thank for their win on Sunday) and five ahead of the Islanders and Florida Panthers. There's not a lot of room to be comfortable or "disinterested," as Oshie said, and the team needs to step up if Ovechkin is out longer.

– No matter what Rutherford says, I'll stand by this: Vancouver did Boudreau dirty. The former Capitals bench boss is a great coach and pro through and through, and the organization made things even harder on him for no reason whatsoever.

– Speaking of Boudreau, if Lambert is dismissed, he wouldn't be a bad option. Proven winner who demands the most from his players and cares deeply about his team. Just a thought.

– I can't imagine that Darcy Kuemper doesn't start against his former Avalanche. It's a big game for him, but also, one bad game where he was left out to try and had to face several odd-man rushes and bad turnovers shouldn't take away from his strong play of late. He and Charlie Lindgren have both been great.

– Speaking of players in the mix, Anthony Mantha made his return from back-to-back scratches with Ovechkin out and had a couple of good looks. However, he, along with the team, shared struggles, and the time is now for him to push to keep his spot in the mix.

– One player that's impressed me: Marcus Johansson. He's second on the team with 12 goals, and he's on pace for 40 points this season. He has been an outstanding contributor and strong at both ends of the ice and has completely silenced critics of his one-year extension. Off the ice, he's a great presence, too, and the team loves him, from the players to the front office.