Alex Ovechkin has been placed on injured reserve with a lower leg injury, marking one of the longest absences of his career. The 39-year-old, who leads the NHL in goals this season with 15, has been remarkably durable throughout his 20-year career, missing only 35 games due to injury, with his longest absence being six games in 2009. He suffered the injury during a game against the Utah Hockey Club after colliding knees with Jack McBain. Ovechkin is designated as week to week, and while he can return from injured reserve in seven days, he may miss additional time. The Capitals have recalled Ivan Miroshnichenko to fill his spot on the roster.