Capitals plan to have Ovechkin in the lineup Thursday

Mar 5, 2009 - 5:39 PM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin, who left practice on Wednesday in pain after taking a slap shot off his right foot, is expected to play when the club hosts Toronto tonight.

There were concerns initially that the injury could be serious, as Ovechkin limped to the bench, took off his skates and was helped to the dressing room by a team trainer after being struck by the puck - a shot off the stick of coach Dean Evason.

The Russian star also was seen smashing a stick in anger as he walked to the locker room.

Washington coach Bruce Boudreau indicated later Wednesday, however, that the injury is nothing serious and that he expects to have Ovechkin on the ice against the Maple Leafs.

The reigning Hart Trophy winner leads the NHL with 46 goals and is riding a six-game point streak.