Alex Ovechkin will miss the upcoming All-Star festivities in Nashville, Tennessee, because of an lower-body injury he's been dealing with since mid-November.  Capitals head coach Barry Trotz said the team took the decision out of Ovechkin's hands because the focus must be on the playoffs and the chase for the franchise's first Stanley Cup.

Oilers star rookie center Connor McDavid, the top pick of the 2015 NHL draft, said Sunday that he has been cleared for full contact and is eyeing a Feb. 2 return against the Blue Jackets.

McDavid, 19, has been sidelined since he broke his left clavicle in a Nov. 3 win over the Flyers.