When Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin was hit in the third period of Sunday's game between Germany and Russia at the IIHF World Hockey Championships, the worst was feared - especially when Ovechkin was unable to leave the ice under his own power, and was taken to hospital in an ambulance post-game.
Luckily, it would seem that the NHL's leading scorer avoided serious injury and will be remaining in Minsk, Belarus with the Russian national team, which is an excellent sign.
Sports-express.ru's Slava Malamud reports that the outcome of Ovechkin's injury could've been significantly worse:
Alex Ovechkin is back in the team hotel. Walking on his own, no crutches, but limping. Team doctor says it's "better than expected" #Caps
— Slava Malamud (@SlavaMalamud) May 18, 2014
Ovechkin meanwhile shared a photo on Instagram that would suggest he's doing alright despite Sunday afternoon's injury scare:
