Alex Ovechkin is one of four Washington Capital players on the NHL’s list of players who were not available to play or train Wednesday in accordance with the League’s COVID-19 protocols.
Evgeni Kuznetsov, the center of the capital, joined the 35-year-old left wing on the list. Dmitry Orlov and goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov.
The NHL on Wednesday fined the capital $ 100,000 on Wednesday for violating players’ COVID 19 protocols in the League, which involved social interactions between team members who were in close contact and did not wear face-to-face coverage.
“I regret my choice to spend time with my colleagues in our hotel room and away from the locker room,” said the capital’s captain. “I will learn from this experience.”
In a statement, Capitals revealed the incident involving players interacting in their hotel room during their four-game opening season trip.
“Our training staff has worked hard to create a safe environment for the players and our staff to be able to compete this season,” the Capitals statement said. “We are disappointed with the choice of our players to interact in their hotel room and outside the areas approved by the team. We accept the NHL’s decision and once again reiterate the existing COVID-19 protocols to ensure that players fully respect progress. “
Washington (2-0-2) played the first four games of the season on the road, last Thursday and Friday at the Buffalo Sabers and Sunday and Tuesday at the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The capitals had a day off planned on Wednesday and are scheduled to practice on Thursday. Washington remains scheduled to open a six-game homestand on Friday against Buffalo.
Ovechkin has five points (one goal, four assists) in four games this season. The striker scored 707 NHL goals, one behind Mike Gartner for the seventh in history.
Kuznetsov and Orlov played four games. Samsonov and the goalkeeper Vitek Vanecek they started alternately.
Also Wednesday, the NHL announced that the Carolina hurricanes postponed all games to at least Saturday, after five players were included on the COVID-19 protocol list on Tuesday.
The NHL does not provide specific reasons for absences from the COVID protocol or information about a player’s duration.
Reasons for absence related to the COVID protocol may include: 1. An initial positive test that remains unconfirmed until the completion of the confirmatory test in accordance with the positive test protocol; 2. Mandatory isolation for symptomatic individuals in accordance with the positive test protocol; 3. Quarantine required as close contact with high risk in accordance with the positive test protocol; 4. Isolation based on a confirmed positive test result; and 5. Quarantine for travel or other reasons, as outlined in COVID-19.