Ovechkin feeling better, but out vs. Devils

NEWARK, N.J. (AP)—As expected, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin(notes) is out of the lineup because of an upper-body strain.

Ovechkin has been termed “week to week” by the Capitals, but the two-time NHL MVP was not ruled out beyond Wednesday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

Ovechkin traveled with the team and could potentially play at Florida on Friday or at home in a rematch with the Panthers on Saturday.

The NHL’s second-leading scorer was hurt Sunday during an overtime loss to Columbus. Ovechkin had a league-best 14 goals, and 23 points while playing in Washington’s first 14 games this season.

“He said he’s feeling better today, a lot better today,” Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said Wednesday morning. “I was excited about that. I don’t know how much better a lot better is, but he’s telling me he felt a lot better. That’s a positive sign. I think he’s getting bored not practicing.”