Alex Ovechkin

Much ado about Alex, indeed.

Here is what you need to know about Alex’s current injury, an “upper-body strain.”

Ovechkin update: week-to-week with upper-body strain‏

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin suffered an upper-body strain in Sunday evening’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and his status is week-to-week, the team determined Monday.

Ovechkin, the NHL leader in points (23) and goals (14) and the league’s Second Star of the Month for October, is expected to miss the fifth game of his five-year career on Wednesday at New Jersey. He has only missed two games due to injury in his first four seasons.

“We have to buckle down,” head coach Bruce Boudreau said earlier Monday. “A goal a game he scores, so we got to play better defense and cannot allow four or five goals a game. You have to win 3-1 and 2-1 and if you get lucky sometimes make it a 4-2 game. I think we have enough character players who understand what we will have to do without Alex.”

Ovechkin played just 7:43 of Sunday’s overtime loss to Columbus and was held without a point for just the third time this year. He was examined and treated by the team’s medical staff and underwent an MRI exam on Monday.

The two-time reigning most valuable player will travel with the Capitals this week to continue to receive medical treatment.

More from Boudreau today: http://tweetmic.com/p/ox100mp1a97

- Alex will be travelling with the team on their current mini road trip to New Jersey and Florida so it should be assumed that the injury isn’t all that severe, otherwise the doctors would have just told him to stay behind to rest and recouperate.

- In my best estimate, it would appear that OV is suffering from a strain in his left shoulder. Likely not that bad of an injury, but also something that is capable of hindering a player who relies on leading his body with his shoulders. OV is a very physical player who does not hesitate to fly into corners or the front of the net, he also relies heavily on his ability to manoeuvre the puck and shoot, so having a bum left shoulder would certainly limit his physicality as well as his shooting power. The team will play it safe and so will Alex, but don’t expect him to be out of the lineup for too long. If he misses tomorrow night’s game versus the Devils, which is highly likely, it will mark only the 5th time he has missed a game since joining the Capitals.

More Ovechkin news:

ANDERSON, OVECHKIN, BRYZGALOV NAMED NHL 'THREE STARS' FOR OCTOBER



NEW YORK (November 2, 2009) -- Colorado Avalanche goaltender Craig Anderson, Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin and Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov have been named the NHL 'Three Stars' for October.


FIRST STAR -- CRAIG ANDERSON, G, COLORADO AVALANCHE


Anderson started all 14 games for Colorado in October and backstopped the Avalanche to first place in the Western Conference by posting a 10-2-2 record. He tied the NHL record for goaltender victories in October set by Detroit's Manny Legace in 2005 and matched the Colorado/Quebec franchise record for a single month. Dan Bouchard had 10 wins in February 1981, followed by Peter Budaj in March 2007. Anderson also led the League in save percentage (.939) and ranked third in goals-against average (2.04). He gave his club an early confidence boost by stopping 73 of 75 shots and one shutout as Colorado opened the season with a pair of home victories over San Jose (5-2, Oct. 1) and Vancouver (3-0, Oct. 3) and made a season-high 48 saves in a 3-1 victory over Detroit Oct. 24.

SECOND STAR -- ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS


Ovechkin led the NHL in goals (14), points (23), shots (85) and tied for second place in plus-minus (+10) as the Capitals went 8-2-3 and opened a seven-point lead in the Southeast Division. Ovechkin matched Mario Lemieux’s NHL record for October with six two-goal games and his 14 goals matched the most he has scored in a calendar month (March, 2008). The reigning NHL MVP became the third player in NHL history to tally at least three points in each of his first three games of a season, joining Guy Lafleur with Montreal in 1975-76 and Peter Stastny with Quebec in 1982-83. Ovechkin had five goals and four assists in that span.


THIRD STAR -- ILYA BRYZGALOV, G, PHOENIX COYOTES


Bryzgalov posted an 8-3-0 record with a 1.78 goals-against average, .930 save percentage and three shutouts, helping the Coyotes finish the month in second place in the Pacific Division with a 9-4-0 mark. He led all goaltenders in goals-against average and shutouts and ranked third in save percentage. Bryzgalov allowed two or fewer goals in eight of 11 starts, including road shutout victories over the Pittsburgh Penguins (24 saves, Oct. 7), San Jose Sharks (26 saves, Oct. 12) and St. Louis Blues (32 saves, Oct. 29). He concluded the month by stopping 32 of 34 shots and all three shootout attempts in a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks Oct. 31

Caps News & Notes

With or without you – Tomorrow’s game will mark just the fifth time in five years that the Washington Capitals will take the ice without Alex Ovechkin, the third time he has missed a game due to injury. The Capitals are 1-3-0 without Ovechkin, but had a strong effort in the third period Sunday evening while he was sidelined. Brooks Laich scored twice in a 2:08 span and Quintin Laing added a third goal as Washington erased a 2-1 deficit and earned a point in overtime. Even without Ovechkin the Capitals have three players averaging a point per game and a fourth who led all NHL defensemen in scoring last year, so the firepower is there to maintain Washington’s first-place standing even without the two-time reigning MVP.

Capitals Recall Mathieu Perreault from Hershey, Assign Keith Aucoin

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have recalled center Mathieu Perreault from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) and assigned center Keith Aucoin to Hershey, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Perreault, 21, is a second-year pro who stands 5’10”, 174 pounds. The Drummondville, Quebec, native has played in 11 games for Hershey this year and has one goal and six assists, tied for fourth on the team with seven points. He had back-to-back two-point games and was +5 last weekend.

Perreault led Hershey rookies with 50 points in 77 games last year and had two goals and six assists in 21 playoff games as the Bears won the Calder Cup. The sixth-round selection, 177th overall pick in the 2006 Entry Draft, will wear No. 85 with Washington and is eligible to make his NHL debut with the Capitals on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the New Jersey Devils.
Aucoin, 30, returns to Hershey after playing registering one goal and four assists in eight games with the Capitals. The Waltham, Mass., native has also played in four games for Hershey this year and has one goal and four assists. The undrafted Aucoin led the AHL with 71 assists last season and finished second to teammate Alexandre Giroux with 96 points after playing the last seven games of the regular season with Washington. Aucoin has 529 career AHL points in 505 games.

- Aucoin was sent down to the Bears because he did not have to clear waivers. Having played in only 8 games he was still safe from waivers. As soon as a player plays 10 NHL games he is then susceptible to the waiver wire. It should be exciting to see how Mathieu Perreault fares at the NHL level after having been very successful in the AHL.


Capitals Raise Nearly $25,000 During Hockey Fights Cancer Month‏

Donations benefit ZERO – The Project to end Prostate Cancer

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals raised nearly $25,000 through their Hockey Fights Cancer Month initiatives in October to benefit ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting one of six men. This year alone nearly 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 27,000 men will die from the disease. If caught early enough; however, there is a nearly 100% survival rate for prostate cancer.

The Capitals hosted a practice jersey auction during the team’s Oct. 17 and 27 home games that raised $24,705 for ZERO. Nine jerseys went for $1,000 or more, with Brooks Laich’s jersey the top seller at $2,550. Other top bid recipients were jerseys worn and autographed by Nicklas Backstrom, Matt Bradley, Chris Clark, Mike Green, Milan Jurcina, Alex
Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Semyon Varlamov.

Before the Oct. 27 game against Philadelphia the Capitals hosted ZERO’s mobile screening vehicle at Verizon Center and provided free prostate cancer screenings. During that same game the Capitals also honored 25 season-ticket holders who have beaten, are battling, have treated or in some way been affected by prostate cancer. Caps right wing Matt Bradley and defenseman Shaone Morrisonn greeted each participant on the ice and posed for a group photo.

Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint charitable initiative founded in December 1998 by the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association. It is supported by players, NHL member clubs, NHL alumni, the NHL Officials’ Association, Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers and Equipment Managers, corporate marketing partners, broadcast partners and fans throughout North America. The goal of Hockey Fights Cancer is to raise money and awareness for national and local organizations involved in cancer care and research. To date, Hockey Fights Cancer has raised more than $10.5 million.

ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer is based in Washington, D.C. It provides comprehensive treatment to patients, education to those at risk and conducts free screenings. Eighty-two cents of each dollar raised goes directly to the ZERO programs.

D.C. City Council Declares November 3 ‘Washington Capitals Day’

ARLINGTON, Va. – Washington Capitals chairman and majority owner Ted Leonsis and ownership partners Jack Davies, Raul Fernandez and Michelle D. Freeman accepted a ceremonial resolution from the D.C. City Council on behalf of the team this morning during the council’s legislative meeting in the John A. Wilson Building on Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

Council Chairman Vincent Gray and Councilmember Jack Evans presented Leonsis and the Capitals with the resolution, which congratulated the team on a terrific regular season and return trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs. The resolution also declared that November 3, 2009, is “Washington Capitals Day” in the District in celebration of the team’s successful season.

Evans read the resolution, which states in part, “The Council of the District of Columbia salutes The Washington Capitals who have helped in the transformation of Chinatown and the Gallery Place neighborhood into an exciting destination for the entire metropolitan area.”

“It is a tremendous honor for our team and the entire Capitals organization to be recognized by the D.C. City Council,” Leonsis said. “We are extremely grateful for the continued support of our fans and the community, and it is most certainly noticed and appreciated by our players, coaching staff and front office. I thank Chairman Gray and Councilmember Evans for the generous Ceremonial Resolution and hope we continue to give them a reason to proclaim another Washington Capitals Day.”

Last season the Capitals enjoyed what could be considered the franchise’s most successful regular season in history, establishing a club record for points (108) and points on the road (47) and tying the club record for wins (50, with the 1985-86 team).

Led by Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin and Mike Green, the Capitals won their second consecutive Southeast Division and advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the 1997-98 season.

For the second year in a row, Ovechkin won the Hart Trophy as the player judged most valuable to his team by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, the Lester B. Pearson Award as the most outstanding player as chosen by the members of the NHL Players’ Association and the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for leading the league in goals (56).

Green became the seventh NHL defenseman to score 30 goals in a season and the first to do so while playing fewer than 70 games. Green also set an NHL record for defensemen with goals in eight straight games and joined Ovechkin on the NHL First All-Star Team. He was a finalist for the Norris Trophy given to the top defenseman in the league.

Note: The complete Ceremonial Resolution to follow

***********************************************

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION


IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

***********************************************

To recognize and honor the Washington Capitals on their stellar regular season and congratulate star left wing Alex Ovechkin as the recipient of the Pearson Award and also the Heart Trophy for the second year in a row.

WHEREAS, the Washington Capitals under the ownership of Ted Leonsis and the coaching of Bruce Boudreau have brought action and excitement to Washington, D.C. and the metropolitan area for the past decade;

WHEREAS, the Washington Capitals have helped in the transformation of Chinatown and the Gallery Place neighborhood into an exciting destination for the entire metropolitan area;

WHEREAS, the Washington Capitals’ outstanding regular season was acknowledged at the National Hockey League (NHL) Awards ceremony this year in Las Vegas, Nevada;

WHEREAS, Alex Ovechkin, Capitals left wing, won the Hart Trophy for the second year in a row designating him as the NHL’s most valuable player;

WHEREAS, only ten other men have won the Hart Trophy in back-to-back seasons and Alex Ovechkin is the third-youngest to do so;

WHEREAS, Capitals’ Mike Green was a finalist for the Norris Trophy - awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman and finished the season with 31 goals, most by any NHL defenseman since 1993 despite playing in just 68 games;

WHEREAS, Alex Ovechkin also won the Lester B. Pearson Award, voted on annually by the NHL players themselves and awarded to the player they judge as league’s most outstanding. He is the first player since 1999 and 2000 to win that award in back-to-back seasons;

WHEREAS, Ovechkin finished the season with 56 goals and 54 assists and also won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for the second year in a row. That award goes to the NHL player who leads the league in goals scored and was named first-team All-NHL for the fourth year in a row;

WHEREAS, the Washington Capitals contribute to the good of the community through the Washington Capitals Charities and a variety of fundraising efforts and donations;

WHEREAS, Washington, D.C. and the entire metropolitan area looks forward to “rocking the red”, supporting and routing for the Washington Capitals for many years to come;

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Washington Capitals’ 2008-2009 Season Celebration Recognition Resolution of 2009".

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia salutes the Washington Capitals for its spirit, its countless achievements in advancing sporting excellence in Washington, D.C. and recognizes and congratulates Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green and all of the Washington Capitals on their individual achievements during this stellar season.

Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia declares November 3rd as “Washington Capitals Day” in the District of Columbia in celebration of the Washington Capitals winning season.

Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.

LEFT WING ALEXANDRE GIROUX NAMED REEBOK/AHL PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

14 POINTS IN JUST SEVEN GAMES NETS THE HONOR FOR HERSHEY’S HIGH-FLYING LEFT WING, BEARS TRAVEL TO LOWELL WEDNESDAY NIGHT

HERSHEY – The 2009 Calder Cup Champion HERSHEY BEARS announced today in conjunction with the American Hockey League that left wing Alexandre Giroux has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Month for October. The announcement was made today by BEARS President/GM Doug Yingst.

Giroux, 28, is sixth in the American Hockey League in scoring, recording 14 points in the month of October despite playing in just seven games. He scored two goals and added two assists this past Friday in Hartford, one of three multi-goal games during the period. Along with 14 points at the AHL level, Giroux also scored a goal during a three-game stint with the Washington Capitals. His lamp-lighter, which was assisted by Keith Aucoin, came October 22nd in Atlanta against the Thrashers.

The month of October for Giroux follows what can only be described as the greatest goal-scoring season in American Hockey League history in 2008-09. The Quebec City native set a HERSHEY franchise record in 2008-09 by scoring 60 goals in a single season, and then followed that up with 15 more goals in 22 postseason games on the way to the club’s 10th Calder Cup championship. The 75 goals scored are the most ever scored by a single AHL player in one regular season and postseason combined. Giroux was named the 2008-09 league most valuable player for his efforts.

In honor of his achievement, Giroux will be presented with an etched crystal award at an upcoming home game.

The BEARS are on the road Wednesday to face the Lowell Devils at Paul Tsongas Arena at 7:00 p.m. The game marks the beginning of a four-game New England road swing for the East Division leaders. HERSHEY’S next home game is Friday, November 13 when the Norfolk Admirals come to visit at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Giant Center box office, or by calling (717) 534-3911.

Injury Updates


Alex Ovechkin: As mentioned above, OV will likely miss a game or two, but despite being labelled as week to week, don’t expect him to be gone too long.

Boyd Gordon: Boyd is still suffering from back spasms and, although he was near a return about a week ago, he has had minor setbacks which have set back the timetable for his return. He is taking things slowly and will likely be forced to spend some time in Hershey on conditioning stint once he is cleared to resume play, in other words, don’t expect him back anytime too soon.

John Erskine: Erskine, who has been dealing with a hurt hand, is getting closer to a return and should likely get into full-time practice with the team in the next week or so. I am unsure if he is on the road trip with the team so it is safe to say that if Erskine stays behind, he is still a ways away from a return, if he joins the Caps, then he should likely be back in the next 2 or 3 games.

Eric Fehr: Fehr is out with bruised ribs and is still listed as day to day. The injury is healing well so Fehr is likely to be back soon as well.

Tomas Fleischmann has looked excellent in his return from a blood clot which forced him to miss the entire summer and training camp, including most of the first month of play. Now that he is back, it should help ease the burden of missing OV for a few games.

Jose Theodore has not suffered any pains in his back since missing a couple games due to back spasms a few weeks back. Theo has been playing some of the best hockey of his career so far, so it is nice to see that veteran is not suffering long-term effects.

Alex Semin, who missed time due to a combination of illness/injury during the same time that Theo was absent, has not fully rebounded. After a hot start, Semin has cooled off alot. He will need to step his game up in the absence of Ovechkin, so look to Alex #2 to be lead the offense in the next couple of games.


Michael Nylander

I have heard whispers that Michael is seeking to extend his conditioning stint with the Griffins. He is still practicing with Grand Rapids and is hoping to get a few more games to showcase himself as he feels he is really starting to round into game shape. Hard to blame the guy when has managed to put up 6 points during the Griffins recent 4 game winning streak. It should also be noted that Nyls has played only 4 games, all of them wins.

There is also talk that teams in the NHL have interest in him.

I know of a few teams that are now expressing interest, including the injury plagued parent club of the Griffins.

If I can get the ok, then I will try to get the names of those interested teams to you.
In the meantime, just know that there is some momentum building in this situation and if Nylander gets the ok to extend his conditioning stint, then, in my opinion, that truly means that there is interest in him at the NHL level.




That’s all for now. I will be back with a preview of tomorrow’s tilt with the Devils in the morning.





Steven.hindle@hockeybuzz.com
capitalshockeybuzz@live.ca
Go Caps!!!!!

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