BALLSTON, Va. - Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin said after Friday's optional morning skate that he is "ready to go" and could be in the lineup against the Montreal Canadiens Friday.

"We just try a couple days ago skating and I don't feel well," Ovechkin said. "Last night, I don't feel. Today, I feel normal."

Ovechkin missed Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators with a "lower-body injury." It is uncertain when Ovechkin suffered the injury, but it is possible that he was hurt by a check from the Hurricanes' Bryan Allen during the second period of Monday's 5-0 loss to Carolina. Ovechkin did not practice with the team Thursday, but skated for about 15 minutes beforehand.

Meanwhile, Michal Neuvirth will likely start for Washington. If he does, it will be his first appearance at Verizon Center since December 20.

John Erskine and Roman Hamrlik took part in extra work, so they will likely be the defensive scratches.