WASHINGTON -- Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin will miss the NHL All-Star Game because of a lingering lower-body injury.
Coach Barry Trotz said Ovechkin has been dealing with the injury since mid-November. After Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, Trotz called pulling Ovechkin a "long-term" organizational decision with the Stanley Cup in mind.
By rule, Ovechkin must miss the Caps' first game after the All-Star break, Tuesday against the Florida Panthers.
Ovechkin had been voted Metropolitan Division captain by fans for the NHL's new 3-on-3 tournament.