Alex Ovechkin could return for quarterfinals, Russia's GM says
Alex Ovechkin was selected first overall by Washington Capitals in the 2007 NHL Draft. (Alexander Nemenov/Getty Images)
Washington Capitals fans can breath a sigh of relief: According to Andrei Safronov, general manager for Russia's national team at the World Championships, Alex Ovechkin is "OK" and could possibly return for the quarterfinals on Thursday.
According to the GM in a statement from the NHL on Monday afternoon, the 28-year-old hockey star will remain with the team. All signs point to him missing Tuesday's game against host Belarus but he could be back on Thursday, according to the press release.
Ovechkin was taken away in an ambulance during Russia's win over Germany on Sunday after he suffered an open-ice hip check that hit him on the right knee. He had collided with Germany's Marcus Kink and remained down on the ice, unable to support his own weight. Kink was subsequently suspended by the IIHF for the hit, which was ruled a clipping.
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More from Safronov:
"He's OK at the moment," Safronov said. "There's some pain, but he's working with the doctors... [Ovechkin] will definitely stay with the team. Even if he couldn't play he'd still be here. He's not just a part of this team, he's a leader."
Ovechkin has three goals and six assists in his six games. Russia remains the only undefeated team in the tournament at 6-0 with 18 points.
Footage of the play:
