The Daily: Alex Ovechkin injured, Aleksander Barkov hits jackpot, Vegas betting on Krebs?

Alex Ovechkin left the Washington Capitals’ game against the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday with what team officials termed a “lower body injury.”

The Capitals provided no other information about his condition. If Alex Ovechkin is out for an extended period, the consequences could be disastrous for the Caps. They are already playing without injured center Niklas Backstrom. The Metropolitan Division will be so tight that a poor start could severely damage the Capitals ability to make the playoffs.

Also, Ovechkin is chasing Wayne Gretzky’s league record of 894 goals. Ovechkin is 36 and needs 165 goals to pass Gretzky. He recently agreed to a five-year contract extension. If he plays those five seasons, Ovechkin would needs to average 33 goals per season to surpass Gretzky.

Ovechkin has been impressively durable during his career. Here is Washington Hockey Now’s story on Ovechkin’s departure from last night’s game.

Ovi left the game after this awkward hit pic.twitter.com/A2qUo2Nxr5

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 9, 2021

Around the NHL

Boston: Bruins’ role player Curtis Lazar will be out an extended period with an injury.

Colorado: Avalanche forward J.T. Compher more than happy to deal with high expectations.

Detroit: Defenseman Moritz Seider hasn’t played an NHL game, but he’s already been named to the German Olympic Team.

Florida: The Panthers signed Aleksander Barkov for eight seasons  and $80 million. He’s worth every cent. Also, the Panthers made cuts this morning.

Also, the Red Wings cut down to 35 and their prime prospects Lucas Raymond, Joe Veleno and Jonatan Berggren are still with the big club. 

New York Islanders: Hockey Now explains what to expect from Jean-Gabriel Pageau and the Islanders’ third line.

Pittsburgh: Defenseman Mike Matheson is dealing with a leg injury. It’s still unknown when Jake Guentzel and Zach Aston-Reese, both out with a positive Covid-19 positive test, will return to the lineup.

Vancouver:  Canucks’ Justin Bailey has come back from Covid-19 and an injury.

Vegas: Steve Carp of Vegas Hockey Now says Peyton Krebs is making a strong case to make the Golden Knights roster.