Ovechkin will play vs. Maple Leafs, sit out 1st game following All-Star Game
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has decided what game he'll sit for as part of his one-game suspension for missing the NHL All-Star Game.
Ovechkin will play in Wednesday's contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs, head coach Todd Reirden confirmed following Tuesday's loss to the San Jose Sharks. The decision means Ovechkin will miss the Capitals' first game following the break against the Calgary Flames Feb. 1.
He will be eligible to return to the lineup for Feb. 3's contest against the Boston Bruins.
The 33-year-old announced at the beginning of the month he would not attend this year's installment, even after being named captain of the Metropolitan Division, stating that his body "needs a rest."
Ovechkin has attended seven All-Star Games during his 14-year career. With a hat trick on Tuesday, he now has a league-leading 36 goals in 49 games.