The Washington Capitals might be without their full complement of players, including their biggest star, when they're scheduled to open a six-game homestand Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres.
Three-time MVP Alex Ovechkin was one of four Capitals placed on the NHL's COVID-19 list Wednesday and the team was fined $100,000 by the league for violating coronavirus protocols, including a gathering in a hotel room during their season-opening, four-game trip.
Forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, defenseman Dmitry Orlov and goaltender Ilya Samsonov were also placed on the COVID-19 list.
The Capitals were punished by the league for "social interactions among team members who were in close contact and who were not wearing face coverings.