Alex Ovechkin Suspended

NHL suspended Washington Capitals captain and two-time league MVP, Alex Ovechkin for hitting Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell during a game yesterday.

Washington Post reports: “We have no problem with the way Alex tried to finish his check,” GM George McPhee said in a statement. “Unfortunately, an injury resulted. We are disappointed with the suspension but do not want to comment further.”

As a repeat offender (he was also suspended for a knee-on-knee hit in late November), Ovechkin will forfeit $232,645.40 of his salary to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, based on the number of games in the season (82), rather than the number of days (193). He is eligible to return to the Caps, who have already clinched the Southeast Division title, on March 20 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.