Ovechkin to be re-evaluated after suffering lower-body injury

Alex Ovechkin didn't return to the Washington Capitals' final preseason game Friday after sustaining a lower-body injury during the first period.

The Capitals star appeared to be in pain after awkwardly hitting Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny midway through the opening frame. Ovechkin was slow to get up but limped down the tunnel on his own while appearing to favor his left leg.

Ovechkin limps to the locker room after hitting Konecny pic.twitter.com/fVyhkscICw

- Nasty Knuckles (@NastyKnuckles) October 8, 2021

Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette didn't have much of an update after the testy match, which the Capitals won, 5-3.

"Any time a player leaves the ice you're concerned. They're going to re-evaluate him tomorrow and assess him for practice the next day. I think that's where it's at right now," Laviolette said, according to the Associated Press' Stephen Whyno.

Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5-million extension with the Capitals this offseason. The 36-year-old was one of the first three players named to the Russian Olympic Committee's team Friday.

Washington's season officially begins Wednesday against the New York Rangers.

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