Capitals LW Ovechkin returns to game

Dec 5, 2008 - 1:09 AM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Washington Capitals just breathed a sigh of relief.

After missing part of the first period with an undisclosed injury, Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin returned to Thursday's contest against the New York Islanders at the start of the middle session.

The reigning Hart Trophy winner, Ovechkin scored a power-play goal with 8:29 left in the opening session. But on his next shift, Ovechkin received a glancing blow to the left side of his upper body from Islanders right wing Tim Jackman.

The 23-year-old Ovechkin remained in the contest after an ensuing faceoff but quickly left the ice in obvious discomfort. The Russian superstar appeared to be favoring his left arm when he skated off.

Ovechkin, who leads the Capitals with 14 goals and 18 assists this season, did not return in the first period. He was on the end of the bench at the start of the second and made his return in the opening minute of the session.

Washington hardly can afford an injury to its leading scorer. The club already is without Alexander Semin (upper back strain), Sergei Fedorov (ankle) and defenseman Mike Green (bruised shoulder).