Skip to main content
globe on hockey

Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin smiles after scoring his goal against the New York Islanders during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Uniondale, New York March 13, 2012. REUTERS/Shannon StapletonShannon Stapleton/Reuters

Paul Waldie Winnipeg

Alex Ovechkin has had enough concerns this season without having to worry about getting run over by a teammate in practice.

But that's what happened to the Washington Capitals' star forward during practice on Thursday when he collided at full speed with winger Mike Knuble, who is 6 ft. 3 inches and weighs 229 pounds. Ovechkin remained flat on the ice for a couple of minutes after the hit and left practice after sitting on the bench for a few minutes.

Ovechkin travelled with the team to Winnipeg for Friday's game against the Jets and he joined in the pre-game skate Friday morning at the MTS Centre.

Afterward he didn't have much to say about Thursday's mishap.

"I feel good," he said tersely. He shook his head when asked if there were any thoughts by team about keeping him out of Friday's game.

"It happens," he added. "It was an accident and thank God it ended in a good way and nobody gets real hurt."

Forward Jason Chimera said the collision was worrisome.

"It's scary anytime you see that kind of a collision. They weren't even looking at each other," Chimera said. "It could have been a lot more severe than it was and it turned out better for both guys that they are not seriously hurt. Someone could have gotten seriously hurt especially with the beef that came together. It was one of the biggest hits I've seen in a long time."

Keeping Ovechkin out of a game like this would have been extraordinary. The Capitals are clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with the Jets four points back. The teams have met four times so far, each winning two.

"It's a big game. It's a big game for them too," said Jets' coach Claude Noel said. "My only thought is just enjoy the game, this is why you play...both teams know the magnitude of it."

He added that he will be watching to see how his players handle the adversity and the pressure.

"These are the games that tell you a lot about your group and your team," he said. "I'll find out some things about the group."

Capitals' coach Dale Hunter said all teams chasing a playoff spot have been playing playoff type hockey for weeks.

"I keep saying for the last three or four weeks it's playoff hockey. It's exciting for the fans and the media and the players know what's at stake here," he said Friday. "Everybody wants to play in the big game. As a kid growing up you always scored the winning goal in the Stanley Cup Final in the seventh game. So it's like one of those games."

Follow related authors and topics

Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following.

Interact with The Globe