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Alex Ovechkin is “dying to get back” from suspension

Washington Capitals v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 22: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals watches from the bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game at Consol Energy Center on January 22, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Justin K. Aller

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin isn’t exactly used to getting nearly two weeks off in January. That’s what happened when a three-game suspension and a vetoed All-Star appearance combined for 12 days off aside from practices, though.

To little surprise, Ovechkin told CSNWashington.com’s Chuck Gormley that he misses hockey; head coach Dale Hunter went as far as to say that he’s “dying to get back.”

Considering Ovechkin’s relative struggles this season, it really might be a blessing in disguise. The 82-game season must be a serious grind - and it’s not as if Ovechkin had many full off-seasons with playoff runs and summer tournaments cutting his breaks down to small installments.

Sure, he’s only 26 years old, but getting that break - plus experiencing the discomfort of watching his team from the sidelines - might just give Ovechkin the boost to play closer to the levels that put him among the NHL’s true elites before slumping a bit starting last season.

Just don’t expect Ovechkin to stop throwing his body around when he gets back.