Capitals' Alex Ovechkin might play Tuesday vs. Bruins

Washington Capitals captain and superstar Alex Ovechkin has been out a week with a lower-body injury, has missed seven of Washington's last eight games and played only 39 seconds against the New York Rangers back on May 3. 

However, the 35-year-old practiced Monday and could be available for Tuesday's regular-season finale against the Boston Bruins.

"Tomorrow (morning) I think it will probably be more clear as to the direction of our lineup tomorrow night," Washington coach Peter Laviolette told reporters, per the NHL's website. Laviolette added that he will play Ovechkin if the one-time Stanley Cup champion who had no restrictions in practice Monday is cleared by Tuesday evening. 

Despite a handful of absences, Ovechkin leads the Capitals with 24 goals in 44 games this season. 

The Capitals have nothing to play for Tuesday, as they lost out on the East Division title to the rival Pittsburgh Penguins but have clinched the second-place spot. It remains unclear when the playoffs will begin, so it makes sense Laviolette would want Ovechkin to experience at least some in-game action before the tournament gets underway later this month. 

Washington will face either the Bruins or the New York Islanders in the opening round of the playoffs.