League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Alex Ovechkin prepares for Capitals opener against Hurricanes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 2:01 AM

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

Alex Ovechkin prepares for Capitals opener against Hurricanes

Summary

Alex Ovechkin is set to debut for the Washington Capitals in their season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. The Capitals captain missed the preseason due to a lower-body injury but stated he is healthy for the matchup. Ovechkin expressed excitement about facing the defending Stanley Cup champions, noting that the start of the season is crucial for the team's mental approach. He also acknowledged the challenges of a back-to-back schedule, with a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning the following night. The Capitals have a reshaped roster heading into the season, having added Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Ovechkin missed preseason games due to a lower-body injury.
•Washington plays Carolina on October 2 and Tampa on October 3.
•The Capitals added players like Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou to their roster.
•This season marks Ovechkin's 22nd with the Capitals, a historical feat.
•Ovechkin noted the importance of a strong start for the team's morale.

Latest Updates

2:01 AMYahoo Sports — Capitals news: Alex Ovechkin sounds off on facing Hurricanes for his Year 22 debut

What they're saying

"
Alex Ovechkin is healthy enough for Friday, and that was the part he cared about. Speaking after Wednesday’s practice, the Capitals captain addressed missing the preseason with a lower-body injury and framed it as the right call ahead of his 22nd NHL season. “I feel okay, but it sucks that I miss games,” Ovechkin told reporters . “I’d rather feel […] The post Capitals news: Alex Ovechkin sounds off on facing Hurricanes for his Year 22 debut appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Carolina Hurricanes Washington Capitals Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Hockey