The National Hockey League fines the Washington Capitals $100,000 for breaking COVID-19 protocols. The team has also placed Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and others on the COVID-absence list.
NHL fines Washington Capitals $100,000 for violating COVID Protocols. https://t.co/yuw4d886OL pic.twitter.com/1ZgPbpazwa
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 20, 2021
Washington Capitals Fined For Breaking Covid-19 Rules
The Capitals have become the first team to be fined for disobeying the league’s COVID-19 protocols. While there are not many specifics yet, we know that this is because of a situation involving social interaction. This was among guys on the team because they weren’t wearing masks or face coverings of any kind.
On top of that, according to Elliotte Friedman, the Capitals have added Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, Ovechkin, and Ilya Samsonov to their COVID-related absence list.
Added to COVID-Related Absence List are: Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, Alexander Ovechkin & Ilya Samsonov.
Added to COVID-Related Absence List are: Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, Alexander Ovechkin & Ilya Samsonov.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 21, 2021
Now that these players are on this list, that does not mean they have tested positive for COVID-19. Players can be placed on this list for several reasons. These reasons include contact tracing or unconfirmed tests. Now that the team has lost these players for the next few games, their place in the standings will surely suffer.
The Washington Capitals have released a statement regarding the situation. While Alex Ovechkin had this to say, “I regret my choice to spend time together with my teammates in our hotel room and away from the locker room areas. I will learn from this experience.”
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 21, 2021
What This Means for the Future
Looking down the road, this could have a significant impact on the Capitals as the season continues. It is near impossible to replace a guy like Ovechkin within your line-up. As a member of the MassMutual East Divison, the Capitals can use all the help they can get to make it to the playoffs. Missing some of their biggest players will be problematic during a shortened season.
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