Ovechkin Completes First Full Practice Since Lower-Body Issue

The skate is a step toward readiness because the Capitals will limit him to one preseason appearance and will wait for the team trainer’s clearance before playing him.

Overview

Ovechkin completed a full Capitals practice on Thursday, the first full session since he missed multiple skates and left Wednesday’s workout early as a precaution.
Coach Spencer Carbery said he will consult head athletic trainer Jason Serbus before deciding if Ovechkin will play in Friday’s preseason game against Boston.
The Capitals have ruled Ovechkin in for at most one preseason game this weekend as they plan to use Friday’s matchup as a dress rehearsal for the regular-season lineup.
Carbery emphasized confidence in Ovechkin’s ability to reach game speed quickly based on his experience, but the staff is taking a day-by-day approach because this is the third straight camp with an early lower-body issue.
How the team manages Ovechkin’s minutes will affect line decisions and the roles for additions such as Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou as the Capitals finalize preparations for the Oct. 2 season opener.