Alex Ovechkin Doesn't Need Much of a Runway

Let's be honest. Alex Ovechkin has played a lot of hockey. More than a lot. He's 41 years old; he's been around the NHL forever, and he probably doesn't need two more preseason games to find the net. Still, it is news when Alex Ovechkin is being kept out of games.

The Washington Capitals have ruled him out of their final two preseason games against Boston and Philadelphia. Ovechkin took part fully in Thursday’s practice, and it looks like the lower-body issue that kept him out is improving. That's the good news.

The other interesting bit is what coach Spencer Carbery said. He basically said Ovechkin doesn't need to play preseason hockey to be ready for Opening Night. And that makes perfect sense. Ovechkin missed the first four preseason games last year because of a lower-body injury, then played the final two and went on to play all 82 regular-season games.

Most NHL players need reps before the regular season begins.

For most players, preseason is about getting the legs going, getting into game shape, getting some timing, taking a few hits and generally remembering that the other guy is trying to take the puck away from you. Ovechkin has been doing that for about a quarter-century. He doesn't need a dress rehearsal.

What Washington does need, though, is Ovechkin healthy when the games actually count. That's the real story here. At 41, the Capitals aren't treating their captain like a 21-year-old prospect who needs every possible shift. They're being careful. There is no prize for having Ovechkin play an exhibition game on September 26 if it creates a problem on October 2.

And Carbery expects him to be available for that Opening Night game against Carolina.

That's the bottom line, and it matters for the Capitals. There is always a little bit of a balancing act with an older star. You want him ready. You want him sharp. But you also don't need to prove anything in September. Ovechkin certainly doesn't. The old guy has earned the right to ease into this thing.

So, no, there probably isn't much reason to panic because Ovechkin isn't playing the final two preseason games. But it is worth watching.

Because this may be a little preview of the Capitals' season-long approach to their greatest player. Don't waste the bullets. Save them for when they count.