The Washington Capitals announced this morning that superstar winger Alex Ovechkin is being shut down for the next 7-10 days to rest an undisclosed nagging injury so that he will be as healthy as possible come playoff time.

It is posisble that Ovie may only miss three games this week, though that total would be higher if his absence carries into next week. Either way this decision by the Capitals will affect many a fantasy hockey owner that relies heavily on Ovechkin's scoring, especially down the stretch of the season with fantasy teams jockeying for final position in their respective standings.


Ovechkin, who has come on during the last month with 21 points in his last 16 games, is the NHL's sixth leading scorer with 77 points. Though his 29 goals and 77 points are somewhat disappointing totals, he is probably the top scorer on most fantasy hockey teams that he is a part of. Therefore his absence from the lineup over the next week or so will be troublesome for his fantasy hockey owners.

But better to have the information in hand now so that you can plan ahead. Take Ovechkin out of your lineup immediately and replace him with your best secondary scorer. Or remove Ovie from your starting lineup and drop one of your secondary scorers while replacing that player with a waiver pick up who is hot right now and get him right into your lineup.

Nashville's Blake Geoffrion is likley available in most fantasy hockey leagues and has scored four goals in his last two games, including his first NHL hat trick last night. In 11 games since being recalled by the Predators, Geoffrion is 6-1-7 to go along with a +6 plus/minus mark.

Veteran Vinny Prospal is also likely available in most fantasy hockey leagues after missing most of the season following knee surgery. Yet Prospal has a nine-game point-scoring streak going, and he is 5-12-17 in 20 games since returning to the lineup.

Make your move now. There is no time to waste as the clock winds down on another fantasy hockey season.

E-mail your fantasy hockey questions to Jim at jimcerny@gmail.com.