Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin will miss the 2016 NHL All-Star Game due to a lower-body injury that would be better served by rest, the team announced through a press release.
Ovechkin, who was slated to captain the Metropolitan Division squad in the 3-on-3 game, logged 19 minutes, 28 seconds of ice time and attempted six shots in a 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night.
Head coach Barry Trotz indicated that his star player has been dealing with the injury since mid-November and called pulling Ovechkin a "long-term" organizational decision with the Stanley Cup in mind.
It was made in consultation with Ovechkin and the Capitals front office, coaching and athletic training staffs.
"We made this difficult decision after taking into consideration what we felt was best for Alex and our organization," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said.
"Alex has been an incredible ambassador for our team and the league, but we believe it is better if he uses this time to heal and ideally be completely healthy for the duration of the season."
Ovechkin's playing status is day-to-day, but by NHL rule, he will be required to sit out the Capitals Feb. 2 game against Florida.
0 nhận xét:
Đăng nhận xét