“Ovechkin’s Status Uncertain as Washington Capitals Prepare for Showdown Against Los Angeles Kings”

Alex Ovechkin missed Saturday’s practice, labeled as a maintenance day by the team following his injuries in Friday night’s loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Coach Spencer Carbery, in his pregame media session, disclosed that Ovechkin’s status is a true game-time decision. The decision on his participation will be made after he takes warmups before the game.

In the 6-2 loss to the Hurricanes, Ovechkin logged 15:17 of ice time. If he plays against LA, he aims to extend his point streak to five games. Ovechkin leads the Capitals in scoring with 25 points (8 goals, 17 assists) in 37 games, making him one of six skaters to have played every game for the team this season.

The questionable nature of Ovechkin’s availability for Sunday’s game stems from a collision with Jordan Staal in the third period of the previous match. After the faceoff scramble in the offensive zone, Ovechkin was down on the ice, eventually making his way to the bench for evaluation by head athletic trainer Jason Serbus.

Defenseman Alex Alexeyev, who has been sparingly used, is set to participate in warmups, potentially stepping in if Ovechkin is ruled out. In this scenario, the Capitals would dress 11 forwards and 7 defensemen. Alexeyev has not played since November 24 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Coach Carbery also confirmed Darcy Kuemper’s return to the net after allowing five goals against Carolina. Charlie Lindgren is still on injured reserve, and Hunter Shepard will continue as Kuemper’s backup.

Both teams enter the game seeking to break losing streaks, with the Capitals trying to avoid a three-game slide and the Kings looking to halt a four-game skid as they embark on a six-game road trip.