Capitals' Alex Ovechkin may play Tuesday vs. Blue Jackets but out Thursday

It was said last Wednesday after it was learned that Washington Capitals superstar captain Alex Ovechkin would miss a regular-season matchup and subsequent All-Star Game due to testing positive for COVID-19 that he could potentially be cleared for Tuesday's home contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Tom Gulitti of the NHL's website reported Monday Ovechkin is awaiting test results to learn about his availability for Tuesday's game. However, he won't be able to travel for Thursday's clash at the Montreal Canadiens because Quebec requires individuals who test positive for the coronavirus to isolate for 10 days. 

"I think it depends on how he feels, but last time I think he was out for 10 days (in COVID-19 protocol last season) and there was no way you were going to keep him out of the lineup," Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said of Ovechkin. "So I would imagine only being out for six days that he would want to jump back in there." 

Ovechkin missed four games in January 2021 due to COVID-19 protocol. If he's sidelined for the next two contests, his next opportunity to return will be for this coming Sunday's home game versus the Ottawa Senators. Without him, Washington fell to the Edmonton Oilers 5-3 last Wednesday. 

Per ESPN stats, Ovechkin began Monday's NHL action with 58 points, six behind Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau for the league lead. The 36-year-old is tied for third in the NHL with 29 goals and trails Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers by four for the top spot in that category. 

Washington, meanwhile, is fourth in the Metropolitan Division standings with 59 points but trails the first-place Carolina Hurricanes by just five points.