Ovechkin in lineup vs. Blue Jackets

Alex Ovechkin is playing against the Columbus Blue Jackets less than a week after testing positive for COVID-19.

The Washington Capitals star was cleared to rejoin team activities earlier Tuesday. He took part in the morning skate after being forced to forgo the All-Star festivities in Las Vegas over the weekend.

On Tuesday morning, the Capitals said Ovechkin's overnight PCR test came back negative, according to the Washington Post's Samantha Pell.

The 36-year-old occupied his usual spot on the squad's top line at the morning session. He was also back on the top power-play unit, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.

Last Wednesday, Ovechkin tested positive and was ruled out of All-Star Weekend. He also missed that evening's loss to the Edmonton Oilers, ending his run of playing in every game in 2021-22. Ovechkin had been the only Capitals player to do so before sitting out.

The Russian superstar is having another Hart Trophy-caliber season, ranking among the league leaders in goals and points for a frequently shorthanded Washington club. The three-time MVP entered Tuesday's game with 29 markers and 29 helpers in 46 contests.

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