Concussion forces Horton to sideline
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin started serving his three-game suspension last night, having been disciplined for his charging penalty Sunday against Pittsburgh’s Zbynek Michalek. Ovechkin also announced yesterday that he will not attend the All-Star Game. He didn’t want to be a distraction as a suspended player. The Capitals were also without No. 1 center Nicklas Backstrom (concussion) and defenseman Mike Green (groin) . . . Last night marked the second game of Andrew Ference’s three-match suspension for his boarding infraction on the Rangers’ Ryan McDonagh. Ference will be eligible to return Feb. 2 against Carolina . . . Krejci missed part of the first period when John Carlson hammered a slap shot off Krejci’s right foot. He returned in the second period. Krejci lost nine of 10 faceoffs . . . Assistant equipment manager Matt Falconer played a part in Seguin’s goal. Seguin broke his stick during a puck battle with Cody Eakin. As Seguin raced back to the bench, Falconer handed him a new stick. Seconds later, Seguin picked off a Carlson pass and beat Tomas Vokoun . . . Julien and assistant coaches Geoff Ward, Doug Houda, and Doug Jarvis will be in Ottawa this weekend for All-Star festivities along with Tim Thomas, Zdeno Chara, and Seguin.