Capitals give optimistic update about Alex Ovechkin's health

Capitals practice without their captain

The NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer didn't skate due to a lower-body injury, but Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery was not concerned that Ovechkin would miss extended time, per NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.

The injury doesn't appear significant enough to alter the Capitals' lines, either. Beat reporter Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network still projects the 40-year-old to be a top-line winger when he returns.

The Capitals have not confirmed whether Ovechkin's lower-body injury is related to the fractured left fibula he suffered last year, which cost him 16 games. 

If Ovi returns to the ice in time for Washington's season opener on Oct. 8, he'll be one step closer to two significant milestones. Ovechkin sits three goals shy of 900 for his career, and nine games short of 1,500 played.