Alex Ovechkin is one of four Washington Capitals players on the NHL’s list of players who were unable to play or practice on Wednesday in accordance with the League’s COVID-19 protocols.
Joining the 35-year-old left wing on the list were Capitals Center Evgeni Kuznetsov, defender Dmitry Orlov and goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov.
The NHL on Wednesday fined the Capitals $ 100,000 for player violations of the League’s COVID 19 protocols, involving social interactions between team members who were in close contact and who did not wear a face cover.
“I regret choosing to spend time with my teammates in our hotel room and away from the locker rooms,” said the Capitals captain. “I will learn from this experience.”
In a statement, the Capitals revealed the incident where players interacted in their hotel room during their season-opening four-game road trip.
“Our training staff have worked extremely hard to create a safe environment for our players and staff to compete this season,” the Capitals statement said. “We are disappointed with our players’ choice to communicate in their hotel rooms and outside of team-approved areas. We accept the NHL’s decision and reiterate the applicable COVID-19 protocols once again to ensure that players are fully follow the rules. . “
Washington (2-0-2) played the first four games this season on the road, last Thursday and Friday in the Buffalo Sabers and Sunday and Tuesday in the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Capitals had a scheduled free Wednesday and are scheduled to practice on Thursday. Washington remains scheduled to open a six-game home stand against Buffalo on Friday.
Ovechkin has five points (one goal, four assists) in four games this season. The forward has scored 707 NHL goals, one behind Mike Gartner for seventh place in history.
Kuznetsov and Orlov have played four games. Samsonov and goalkeeper Vitek Vanecek have alternating starts.
Also on Wednesday, the NHL announced that the Carolina Hurricanes had postponed all games until at least Saturday after five players were placed on the COVID-19 protocol list on Tuesday.
The NHL does not provide precise reasons for COVID protocol-related absences or information about how long a player may be absent.
Reasons for a COVID protocol-related absence can include: 1. An initial positive test that remains unconfirmed until the confirmatory test is completed in accordance with the positive test protocol; 2. Mandatory isolation for symptomatic individuals according to the positive test protocol; 3. Required quarantine as high-risk close contact according to the positive test protocol; 4. Insulation based on a confirmed positive test result; and 5. Quarantine for travel or other reasons as set forth in the COVID-19 protocol.