Capitals’ Ovechkin to miss NHL All-Star Game with injury

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russian Federation, looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Washington.

Two of the NHL’s biggest stars have opted out of this weekend’s All-Star festivities in Nashville, and as a result, they’ve each been suspended one game.

“We made this hard decision after taking into consideration what we felt was best for Alex and our organization”, said Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan.

Still, coach Barry Trotz told reporters that Ovechkin had been dealing with the injury for some time.

Winnipegger Jonathan Toews has bowed out of the NHL all-star weekend, the league announced this morning. “At this time, rest over the break is most important for him to properly recover and be fully healthy heading into the rest of the regular season”.

Toews will be replaced by Nashville Predators forward James Neal on the Central Division roster.

Ovechkin, who has 28 goals and 42 points this season, was voted as the captain of the Metropolitan Division All-Star team, so a replacement will need to be named. Due to this, Toews will have to sit out the Blackhawks first game after the All-Star break against the Avalanche in Denver on February 2nd. The total of four All-Stars will be not only the most the Predators have ever sent but will also lead all teams at this year’s game.