ARLINGTON, Va. — Alex Ovechkin returned to the Capitals on Monday, practicing with his teammates after a week away to be with his ailing grandfather in Russia.
The NHL’s reigning MVP was among the first few players on the ice at the team’s practice facility, out there with coach Bruce Boudreau about 15 minutes before the full session began.
“I just want to go right now on the ice and play hockey. I’m so happy right now I’m skating with my teammates,” Ovechkin said.
He skated Monday with his usual linemates — center Nickas Backstrom and right wing Viktor Kozlov — and is slated to play tonight against the Senators.
Ovechkin missed two games while he was gone, ending a 2 1/2-season consecutive games streak.
Wild places Nolan on IR.
The Wild placed forward Owen Nolan on injured reserve with a lower body injury and recalled center Krys Kolanos from the minors.
Footnotes.
The Stars sent defenseman Mark Fistric, forward James Neal and left wing Chris Conner to the minor leagues.
• The Blue Jackets activated left wing Fredrik Modin (groin) and sent right wing Derek Dorsett to the minors.
The Associated Press
