Washington Capitals right wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, skates with the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, in Washington. The Capitals won 4-1. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- Alex Ovechkin says he's ''able to play'' after missing two games with an upper-body injury.

The Washington Capitals forward said Monday he still has ''a little soreness'' but will ''probably'' be on the ice when his team hosts the New York Islanders on Tuesday.

Coach Adam Oates was more cautious, saying the three-time league MVP will be a game-time decision.

Ovechkin was hurt a week ago, when he crashed headfirst into the goalie and net in the first period of a loss at Vancouver.

The Capitals have won both games while Ovechkin has been sidelined. On Monday he joked: ''They don't need me.''