Report: Ovechkin will not be with the Capitals to start the 2021-22 season

According to Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette, captain Alex Ovechkin is unlikely to join the team for its 2021-22 season opener on Wednesday night against the New York Rangers. Laviolette officially stated that the team is "hoping" Ovechkin can play come Wednesday.

The latest from NHL.com insider Stephen Whyno:

No Alex Ovechkin (lower-body injury, considered day to day) for Capitals practice this morning.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) October 11, 2021

Coach Peter Laviolette says Alex Ovechkin is still day to day and Capitals are "hoping" he plays in season opener Wednesday vs. Rangers.

Nicklas Backstrom still has not skated, so it's pretty fair to figure he won't play.

Looks like Hendrix Lapierre is in for his NHL debut.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) October 11, 2021

The 36 year old Ovechkin left his team's final preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday evening after bumping into Flyers forward Travis Konecny midway through the first period. Ovechkin was slow to get up on the play and left the game and did not return.

"Any time a player leaves the ice you're concerned," coach Peter Laviolette said after the game on Friday. "They're going to re-evaluate him tomorrow and assess him for practice the next day. I think that's where it's at right now."

Report: Ovechkin will not be with the Capitals to start the 2021-22 season

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