The Capitals are known for poor finishes, but Alex Ovechkin is already sleeping through the beginning of the season.
The Washington captain was scratched from Tuesday's game against the unbeaten Sharks after oversleeping for the morning skate and blaming it -- as many people do in America -- on his alarm clock. The 2014-15 Hart Trophy finalist accidentally set his alarm to p.m. instead of a.m., causing him to miss the morning practice prior to the game.
"I made mistakes, so that's why," Ovechkin said according to the Washington Post.
Coach Barry Trotz didn't want to reveal any specifics over Ovechkin's punishment, but he opted to punish him as he would any other player. The Capitals (1-1-0) were devoured by the Sharks (3-0-0) 5-0.
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Ovechkin attended the game, but he didn't suit up for the Capitals despite Trotz not giving-in to explaining why.
"I'm sorry, it's personal and that's why it's called personal," Trotz said Tuesday per Yahoo Sports. "But he will be on the ice, and I expect him fully to be playing against the Chicago Blackhawks [on Thursday]. We could've used him tonight."
Ovechkin's absence is a terrible way to draw negative attention to a team in need of good mojo this early in the season. The Capitals are known for their playoff struggles, but to have their star player scratched due to showing up late is less than ideal in turning around the culture.
Trotz's arrival last year signaled a new era for the franchise, but it once again was plagued in the postseason, coughing up a 3-1 series lead to the Rangers in the second round, and being eliminated in Game 7. Washington hasn't made it past the Eastern Conference semifinals ever with Ovechkin on the team.
With the offseason editions of T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams to a core that includes Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom when he returns from hip surgery, the Capitals are the favorite to win the Metropolitan Division. Still, it's not good for the culture to have the team captain missing a morning skate prior to Game 2.
The three-time Hart Trophy winner got off to a fast start this season, notching a goal and an assist in the team's 5-3 Opening Night win against the Devils, but he couldn't do anything but watch his team Tuesday night.
Not exactly leading by example.
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