Capitals Not Worried About Ovechkin: 'Not Too Serious'

Alex Ovechkin got back on the ice for Capitals practice Wednesday. He did not stay long, skating off after a few laps, and Washington is treating that as progress rather than a problem.

"Him being out there and practising is a pretty big indicator that it's not too serious," head coach Spencer Carbery told reporters. "It's not wanting to push it if it's not quite 100 per cent at this point before the season."

Ovechkin, 41, remains listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

"He came out and gave it a try, but we just want to be cautious with it at this point. Not pushing it," Carbery said.

Washington has two more exhibition games left before opening the season Oct. 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Ovechkin played all 82 games last season and finished with 32 goals and 32 assists. He signed a one-year deal in July to stay in Washington, a contract built on a $1-million base salary with bonuses worth another $8 million, including $4.75 million if he reaches 10 games played. The deal carries a $4.25-million average annual value.