Alex Ovechkin Returns To Capitals Following Death Of His Father

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has returned to D.C. and is at MedStar Capitals Iceplex following time away from the team to mourn the death of his father, Mikhail. He will practice on Wednesday, though his status beyond that is to be determined.

Ovechkin left the team last week, leaving for Russia to be with his family. The 37-year-old missed the last four games, which were all regulation losses for the Capitals, who are in the middle of a five-game losing streak.

"You miss him. Like, crazy things like this, he's much a fun guy to have around. He's the perfect guy to market for the game of hockey and big events like this on the biggest stage," Tom Wilson said. "It's weird not having him around, he's such a leader for us… we want to do our best for him. He's a guy that you miss big time when he's not around, so all we can do is support him."

"Our hearts are broken for him, but we're absolute here 100 percent for any support that he needs or his family need… we're missing him and thinking about him and wish he was here but glad he's able to be with his family during this tough time," T.J. Oshie added.

Through 54 games this season, Ovechkin has 32 goals and 22 assists for 54 points. He is at 812 career goals and sits just 83 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.