BHN Daily: Ovechkin Surging Before Injury; Lindholm Disappointing; Rantanen Extension?

The Great Eight is on a goalscoring tear this year, but his season may be cut short. Alex Ovechkin left Monday’s game early and is being evaluated with an apparent left leg injury. Ovechkin scored five goals in two games on back-to-back nights to vault his total this season to 15. He leaped Sam Reinhart for most in the NHL and is now 27 goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894.

However, a knee-on-knee collision with Utah Hockey Club forward Jack McBain may have hindered his chances of catching Gretzky this season.

A Grade 1 MCL injury could keep Ovechkin out for a week or two. If it’s a Grade 2, he could miss up to six weeks of action for the Capitals. Those are considered the best-case scenarios at this time, for Ovechkin and an impressive Washington squad early on.

Sabres & Latest at Buffalo Hockey Now

The Sabres have headed out west for games against the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks. One forward will not go because of injury. Another player was sent down to Rochester. See who, here.

Alex Tuch did not practice on Monday but traveled with the team. His status is up in the air for Wednesday. Head coach Lindy Ruff did confirm that defenseman Henri Jokiharju will be making his long-awaited return to the lineup against the Kings.

Across the League at National Hockey Now

New Jersey Hockey Now: A former Sabres forward has been moved to injured reserve.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins are struggling, but the worst is yet to come.

Boston Hockey Now: Elias Lindholm hasn’t cut it in Boston and he knows he’s disappointing the Bruins.

Colorado Hockey Now: Will Mikko Rantanen receive a contract extension with the Avalanche?

Philly Hockey Now: Injuries have thrust a Flyers’ top defensive prospect into the lineup.