Ovechkin leaves practice after 8 minutes

According to multiple media reports, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin left Wednesday morning's practice in Ottawa after about eight minutes, leaving his status for tonight's game against the Senators in question.

This comes one day after Ovechkin skipped practice, and two days after he was seen limping after Monday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Ovechkin played just 15:43 in the 5-0 loss to the Hurricanes, the second-lowest ice time he's had in a game this season, including only five shifts in the third period. Capitals officials told the Washington Post after the game it was due to an equipment issue.

“He had an equipment problem (Monday)," coach Dale Hunter told reporters. "Then we just gave him a maintenance day today (Tuesday)," said Hunter.

According to the Post's Katie Carrera, Ovechkin appeared to be testing something during practice. She reported that at one point it appeared that he tried to gather speed and explode through the neutral zone, but after a few strides had to pull up. Ovechkin immediately skated to the bench and left the ice.

Earlier this morning, the Capitals recalled forward Keith Aucoin from AHL Hershey, but it could have nothing to do with Ovechkin. The Caps had an optional practice this morning, and forwards Alexander Semin and Jeff Halpern stayed off the ice completely.

Contact Adam Kimelman at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @NHLAdamK

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