Alex Ovechkin is one of four Washington Capitals players on the NHL list of players who were not available to play or practice on Wednesday according to League COVID-19 protocols.
On the left, the 35-year-old, joined the capital center Evgeni Kuznetsov, defender Dmitry Orlov and goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov.
The NHL on Tuesday fined $ 100,000 in the capitals for violations of League COVID 19 protocols involving social interactions between team members who were in close contact and who were not wearing face masks.
“I regret my choice to spend time with my colleagues in our hotel room and outside the locker rooms,” the Capitals captain said. “I will learn from this experience.”
In a statement, the capitals revealed that the incident involved players interacting in their hotel room during the four-game trip that opened the season.
“Our coaching team has worked very hard to create a safe environment for our players and staff to compete this season,” the Capitals statement said. “We are disappointed with the choice of our players to interact in their hotel room and outside the areas approved by the team. We accept the NHL’s decision and reiterate the current COVID-19 protocols to ensure us that the players fulfill their fulfillment to advance. “
Washington (2-0-2) played its first four games this season on the road, last Thursday and Friday for the Buffalo Sabers and Sunday and Tuesday for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The capitals were scheduled for a day off on Wednesday and are scheduled to practice on Thursday. Washington is still scheduled to open six games in Buffalo on Friday.
This season, Ovechkin has five points (one goal, four assists) in four games. The striker has scored 707 goals in the NHL, one behind Mike Gartner for being the seventh in history.
Kuznetsov and Orlov have played four games. Samsonov and goalkeeper Vitek Vanecek they have started alternately.
Also Wednesday, the NHL announced that the Carolina hurricanes had postponed all games until at least Saturday, after five players moved to the COVID-19 protocol list on Tuesday.
The NHL does not provide precise reasons for absences related to the COVID protocol or information on how long a player may be out.
Reasons for an absence related to the COVID protocol may include: 1. An initial positive test that remains unconfirmed until the confirmation test is completed according to the positive test protocol; 2. Mandatory isolation for symptomatic individuals according to the positive test protocol; 3. Quarantine required as a high-risk close contact in accordance with the positive test protocol; 4. Isolation based on a confirmed positive test result; and 5. Quarantine for travel or other reasons as indicated in the COVID-19 protocol.