Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be able to play in the NHL All-Star Game this weekend, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.
Ovechkin will also be out for Washington’s game against Edmonton Wednesday.
“Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is unavailable tonight versus the Edmonton Oilers due to the NHL COVID-19 protocol,” reads a tweet from the team’s public relations account. “Based on a positive test result, Ovechkin will not participate in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game in Las Vegas.”
Ovechkin was the leading vote-getter in the NHL to attend the festivities in Las Vegas on Friday and Saturday.
The 36-year-old was captain for the Metropolitan Division team and was slated to take part in the All-Star Game for the first time since 2018 and eighth overall. He has skipped the contest in recent years, citing rest.
“I’m sure he’s extremely disappointed,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said. “He’s disappointed, first and foremost that he’s not in the game tonight, and that he’s not playing.
“I’ve never seen a guy that does everything possible to get into a game and hates coming out of games and hates not being able to contribute and help his team win. For that, first and foremost, he’s probably upset. The All-Star Game, it’s a nice nod, but he’s certainly one of those big figures that goes to the All-Star Game. It was well-deserved this year, the nod and I’m sure that he’s upset with that, too.”
For more information, visit The Washington Times COVID-19 resource page.
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
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