washington capitals

Alex Ovechkin will miss the Washington Capitals' game at the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. The NHL's reigning MVP is visiting his ailing grandfather in Russia.

Ovechkin also sat out Tuesday's game, ending his consecutive games streak at 203. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau says he thinks Ovechkin will be back for practice Monday.

Alexander Ovechkin, the NHL's leading goal scorer last season, has returned to Moscow to be with his ailing grandfather and will miss the Washington Capitals game Tuesday against the Nashville Predators.

The Washington Capitals are keeping the dynamic young star with the oh-my-gosh end-to-end moves. Alex Ovechkin?

He's already under contract. Tuesday was Mike Green's day as the NHL's top scoring defenseman was rewarded with a four-year, $21 million contract.

Green scored 18 goals last season at the unripe age of 22, becoming the youngest player to lead defensemen in goals since Paul Coffey in...

Calgary Flames right wing Jarome Iginla, Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin are the three finalists for the Hart Trophy that is awarded to the NHL's most valuable player.

Iginla, a Hart Trophy finalist for the third time, had 50 goals and 48 assists to rank third in the NHL in both categories.

It was the second time he had reached the 50-goal mark, and the 98 points were a career best. Malkin and Ovechkin both are first-time Hart finalists.

Coach Bruce Boudreau has been given a contract to stay with the Washington Capitals, a reward for leading the team from last in the NHL to a Southeast Division title.

Capitals general manager George McPhee said Wednesday: "He's our coach. He's under contract ... for a long time." McPhee says it's his policy not to discuss details of coaches' contracts.