NHL: Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers - Source: Imagn — Washington Capitals star captain Alex Ovechkin leves informal skate in pain (image credit: IMAGN)

Alex Ovechkin leaves Capitals' informal skate with apparent discomfort: Report

Modified Sep 16, 2024 16:38 GMT

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin left Monday's informal skate early due to some discomfort. It was reported by NHL insider Sammi Silber on X, who posted:

"Alex Ovechkin just left informal skate. Not sure what’s going on, but will keep an eye out"

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After he finished warming up and started the first drill, he pulled up, winced and then went to the bench before he headed to the locker room. It's unclear if he's injured or if this will affect his participation in training camp which starts on Thursday.

The Capitals have not given any official statements so far on Ovechkin. They are expected to release one after evaluating Ovechkin's reason for discomfort and confirming with the medical team.

Ovechkin is entering his 20th NHL season and is 41 goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 goals. He struggled to score during the first few months of last season but later picked up his pace and scored 31 goals.

Considering Ovechkin's track record, breaking Gretzky's record is possible this coming season. Fans were expecting big things from Ovechkin, but his sudden exit from the informal skates has raised concerns. If it's something serious, the chances of Ovechkin making history will diminish.

Sidney Crosby praised Alex Ovechkin as he approaches Gretzky's record

Sidney Crosby praised Alex Ovechkin for approaching Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record and called it “incredible.” Crosby, who has played against Ovechkin since 2005, is amazed by the veteran left winger's achievement. At the annual NHL Player Media Tour in Las Vegas on Tuesday, he said he feels lucky to be part of this historic moment.

“It’s really cool,” Crosby said via NHL.com. “To be able to play in the same division, to have had the history that we have over the years… to come in at the same time with pretty high expectations and to see him this close to what was thought to be an untouchable record, it’s incredible what he’s going. I feel grateful to be part of that."

"As a player, you want to compete at the highest level. To be in that conversation with him over the years, I hope that we’ve gotten the best out of each other, and hopefully we’ve got some strong years left here".

As he turns 39, Ovechkin is focused on winning another Stanley Cup with the Capitals and could also rewrite the history books if he scores 42 goals this coming season.