OVECHKIN "FEELING A LOT BETTER TODAY"

What better gift could the Washington Capitals give injured Alex Ovechkin than a higher number in the team's win column?

And it seems obvious that this is just the 'get well gift' that Coach Bruce Boudreau and Ovi's teammates want to give to him.

Ovechkin, who suffered an upper-body strain -- definitely will not be playing when the Caps face the New Jersey Devils Wednesday.

But, still, Boudreau thinks that the team can win despite Ovi being sidelined. It will just require his teammates to think smart and play hard -- will require some good defense. With Ovi on the sidelines, Boudreau explained that is like giving up one goal in a game.

"He's feeling better today, feeling a whole lot better," said Boudreau. "I was really excited about that. I don't know how much better a lot better is, but when he's telling me he felt a lot better today that's a positive sign. I think he's getting bored not practicing already."

Of course, Ovechkin is listed as week to week, and it is unknown when he will be well enough to be cleared to return to the ice and game play.

"We want to make certain that when he does step on the ice, there is no chance that he will hurt that same injury again," said Boudreau. Sphere: Related Content