‘Alex Ovechkin’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’

It was inevitable and deep down, we all knew it.

Caps star winger Alex Ovechkin is now considered “week to week” with an undisclosed upper-body injury, possibly sustained during a scrum with either Jason Chimera or a tangle-up with Raffi Torres during Sunday’s loss to Columbus. Although Coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters yesterday that Ovie hadn’t had an MRI, the team did reverse that statement in an article today on ESPN.com.

You’ll recall that John Buccigross expressed concern about the Caps offensive capabilities if Ovechkin is hurt. Through Sunday, Ovie led the NHL in goals (14) and points (23) but could lose at least three games this week and possibly more, which will drastically tamp down Washington’s offense. The next closest goal scorer on the team is Alexander Semin, with 7 tallies; Nicklas Backstrom has 18 points but only 4 goals. In order to keep their momentum going, they’re going to have to step up. Fortunately, Tomas Fleischman’s back in the lineup to help.

Ovechkin’s a hard-charging and highly energetic player, having only missed two games to injury prior to this season. Better for the Caps to face their schedule without their top forward now, rather than deep in the season. Hopefully, the team is up to the test.