Washington Capitals News

Ovechkin (lower-body) is on the ice for the Capitals optional morning skate.

This is the first time that Ovechkin has skated since getting injured. The injury is believed to be minor so his participation in practice this morning is a positive sign that he will be back in tonight. We will get official word when it is made available.

Alex Ovechkin
Alex Ovechkin, who is riding a season-long four game goal scoring drought and hasn’t recorded a point in that stretch either, was skating with Mikhail Grabovski and Eric Fehr on the second line.

Things can only go up for Ovechkin as he looks to spark his offense. Being on the second line should have no bearing in his point production and could reward him with better defensive matchups. Also look for a potential boost for Grabovski on both 5-on-5 and special teams.

Alex Ovechkin
The Rangers recalled Dylan McIlrath from Hartford (AHL) on Wednesday.

McIlrath was the 10th overall pick in 2010 and is in his second season with the Rangers AHL affiliate in Hartford. He is not known for his offence as much as his physical play in defensive zone, so he does not represent a young D-Man with fantasy upside. He has been recalled because of the injury to Marc Staal and could make his NHL debut tonight.

Dylan McIlrath
Alex Ovechkin (upper-body) is on the ice this morning for Capitals optional skate.

Ovechkin missed last night's contest with the Flyers, but could play tonight against the Panthers. The Capitals cruised to a 7-0 whopping against Philadelphia last night, so they probably won't rush their star back if he is not 100% tonight. Expect an update later in the day.

Alex Ovechkin
Hagelin (shoulder) will make his season debut tonight.

Hagelin has sat out the start of the season after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. With all the injuries that the Rangers are dealing with right now, getting the speedy Hagelin back will help. The 25-year-old scored 10 goals and added 14 assists (24 points) in 48 games last season. There is no word on who Hagelin will play with yet.

Carl Hagelin
Carl Hagelin, eligible to return to the lineup on Oct. 29, is skating as an extra forward.

Hagelin has missed every game this season after offseason shoulder surgery. His return would help an injury depleted Rangers lineup. He is a speedy-winger who was very streaky last season but finished with 10 goals and 14 assists (24 points) in 48 games.

Carl Hagelin
Goaltender Zach Fucale signed a three-year entry level contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.

Fucale was picked 36th overall at the NHL draft in June from the Memorial Cup champion Halifax Mooseheads, where he is expect to return after participating in the Canadiens training camp. The 18-year-old from Rosemere, Que., went 45-5-3 with the powerhouse Mooseheads last season and went 16-1 in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoffs.

Zach Fucale