Alex Ovechkin is out seven to ten days with an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Caps coach Bruce Boudreau has stated Ovechkin has been playing with this injury for months. While I do not believe the injury to be serious at all, it’s probably just cumulative fatigue and soreness associated with the grueling schedule and physicality of the NHL. The Caps goal is the Stanley Cup and it has been since day one and it can be evidenced by the defensive nature of Washington’s play much to the detriment of Ovechkin’s numbers this year. This is an extremely wise decision on Washington’s part but it really has to sting your fantasy squad. Seven to ten days puts Ovechkin out for four to five out of the Caps remaining nine games. Also, be aware of the possibility that he could sit until some time in early April when he is completely fresh as the Caps last game is April 9th at Florida.
Projection: You cannot drop Ovechkin, that’s fairly obvious. But you can drop a bench player in you’re in need of a left winger. If Andy McDonald of the Blues is available in your league he is a must pick up. If he isn’t available, Vinny Prospal of the Rangers is still playing extremely well.