Capitals' Ovechkin will return to lineup Thursday vs. Islanders
Jared Silber / National Hockey League / Getty
Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz confirmed Wednesday that captain Alex Ovechkin will return to the lineup against the New York Islanders.
Ovechkin will enter Thursday with over a week's rest after a lower-body injury prevented him from participating at All-Star Weekend in Nashville, warranting a one-game suspension that was served in Tuesday's loss to the Florida Panthers.
He has played just once since Jan. 19, thanks to a pair of games being postponed due to snowstorms.
The 28-year-old forward leads his team with 28 goals in 46 games this season.