League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Match Previews

Ovechkin makes progress in recovery ahead of Capitals season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 7:48 PM

Last updated Sep 24, 2026

Ovechkin makes progress in recovery ahead of Capitals season opener

Summary

Alex Ovechkin is on track to be ready for the Washington Capitals' season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 2. Ovechkin, returning for his 22nd NHL season, has been managing a lower-body injury but participated fully in practice on September 24. Head coach Spencer Carbery noted the positive sign, although Ovechkin's availability for the upcoming preseason game against the Boston Bruins remains uncertain. With only ten goals needed to tie Wayne Gretzky's all-time record, expectations are high as the Capitals look to improve after adding new players to their roster.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Ovechkin fully participated in practice, recovering from a lower-body injury.
•Capitals open the season against the Hurricanes on October 2.
•Ovechkin is ten goals away from tying Gretzky's record.
•The Capitals added Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou this offseason.

Latest Updates

7:48 PMYahoo Sports — Capitals news: Ovechkin takes big step en route to being ready for opening night

What they're saying

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The Washington Capitals have high hopes heading into the 2026-27 season. They added Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou to the roster, while Alex Ovechkin decided to return for his 22nd NHL season . As the captain prepares for the upcoming campaign, he has been dealing with a lower-body injury. Now, head coach Spencer Carbery is giving an update on the […] The post Capitals news: Ovechkin takes big step en route to being ready for opening night appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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