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Ovechkin just got the wind knocked out of him, says Caps coach

Philadelphia Flyers v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates with puck during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Verizon Center on March 4, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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Alex Ovechkin wasn’t hurt after slamming into teammate Mike Knuble during this morning’s practice, said Capitals coach Dale Hunter.

“He’s fine. Just two big guys colliding full speed,” Hunter said, as per the Washington Times. “Just a big collision. It knocks the wind out of you. When you lose your wind, that’s not fun.”

Ovechkin lay on the ice for two minutes following the collision with Knuble. Then after sitting on the bench for a few minutes (looking like this), he left for the dressing room.

The Washington Post’s Tarik El-Bashir doesn’t seem ready to buy the explanation that Ovechkin just got the wind knocked out of him – “Not sure that’s what my eyes saw. But that’s what Hunter said,” tweeted El-Bashir.

Hunter also said the “fine” Ovechkin will make the trip to Winnipeg and is expected to play in tomorrow’s game against the Jets.