Russian machine sometimes breaks.
Washington Capitals’ captain Alex Ovechkin left Sunday’s game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period after suffering an upper-body injury. Ovechkin was tripped on a breakaway by Toronto goalie Erik Kallgren and went violently crashing into the boards.
Ovechkin was in visibile pain after colliding with the boards and remained down for several moments. The Russian legend was eventually able to get up on his own merit and make his way off the ice. Ovechkin went straight to the Capitals locker room after getting injured.
Ovechkin rarely ever stays down on the ice, making Capitals fans and hockey fans alike seriously worried about his well-being. Ovechkin has only missed 44 games in his NHL career, so it’s unlikely he embellished what happened Sunday.
Here’s a look at the Ovechkin injury. Kallgren catches Ovechkin’s skate with his stick and sends him flying into the boards:
Video:
Alex Ovechkin to the dressing room after going awkwardly into the boards pic.twitter.com/E7FWMvU3Cx
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) April 25, 2022
Toronto goalie Kallgren didn’t appear to show any malicious intent with the trip and avoided a penalty on the play. The 25-year-old Swedish netminder was making just his 11th career NHL start versus the Capitals. Kallgren clarified in his post-game interview that he had no intent to injure Ovechkin.
There wasn’t an immediate Ovechkin update from the Capitals after the game. The only real information that came out about the severity of the injury was from a teammate. Washington Forward TJ Oshie told reporters after the game that he thinks Ovechkin” will be alright”
Oshie talks about the injury sustained by Alex Ovechkin tonight:
"I just talked to him, I think he'll be alright."
'PHEWWW!!!' -all Caps fans pic.twitter.com/2o0l4uncgj
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) April 25, 2022
It would be really unfortunate if Ovechkin is seriously injured a week before the 2022 NHL Playoffs begin. The Capitals have already clinched a berth in the playoffs and own the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Fans have been looking forward to seeing Ovi bring his fierce competitiveness to the NHL postseason once again.
Ovechkin is having another incredible season for Washington, registering 50 goals and 90 points in 77 games. The 36-year-old superstar became just the third player in NHL history to record nine 50-goal seasons when he reached the milestone against Vegas last week.
Wishing all the best for Ovechkin in his recovery from his injury versus Toronto.
