Upon hearing about the Washington Capitals decision to sit Alex Ovechkin in Tuesday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers my initial reaction was that the Caps organization was looking to rest their star captain before their playoff run begins. Bruce Boudreau addressed the injury as something that has bothered Ovechkin for a couple months.

Washington is said to be resting Ovechkin for the next seven to ten days, but have not disclosed the details of his nagging “ailment.”

Since Ovi has clearly played with the ailment, I presumed that the injury was playable, but Boudreau told the media in a Q&A that Oveckin “probably” would not play with the injury in a playoff game.

Another question that many seem to be asking is whether Ovechkin’s numbers are down this season due to the injury.  Boudreau told the media that he did not want to make excuses for him and knew that Ovechkin would not make excuses for himself.  “But I don’t know,” he said.

Ovechkin’s injury is the latest in a string of injured Capitals.  Mike Green did not skate in Monday’s practice, Eric Fehr remain day to day and Jason Arnott is sidelined with a groin injury and is listed as week to week.  Hopefully the Caps will see all four guys return as Washington makes their run through the Stanley Cups Playoffs.