Alex Ovechkin’s emotional return gets BURIED in Capitals’ 4-2 loss against Ducks at Capital One Arena

The Capitals fall onto their 6th loss against Ducks as Alex Ovechkin participates in his first game after his father’s death.

<strong>Alex Ovechkin’s emotional return gets BURIED in Capitals’ 4-2 loss against Ducks at Capital One Arena</strong>

Alex Ovechkin [Image Credit: Puck Prose]

Washington Capitals experience their 6th straight loss against Anaheim Ducks at Capital One Arena. Team captain Alex Ovechkin participated in the match, marking his first game since his father Mikhail’s death. While the team relied on their captain to make a change, it proved to be futile as they tasted loss prior Cup race.

On Thursday night the Capitals lost to the Ducks in a 4-2 record. Currently, they carry a record of 28-26-6 while the Ducks run with a score of 18-34-7 into the 2022-23 season. In the game, Ovechkin shot 5 goals with a minus -2 in 21:36 ice time. 

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He noted, “It was OK”. “You know, it’s a good thing I’m back and you know, I feel the game better every shift obviously. But next game’s going to be better.” Ducks John Gibson and Troy Terry left a significant mark with Gibson making 41 saves and latter scoring into the period after missing 7 games due to upper-body injury.

Related: “Your dad is there. He’s always there” – Alex Ovechkin mourns father’s death as Capitals come together supporting “The Great Eight”

T.J. Oshie talks about their captain Alex Ovechkin’s return

T.J. Oshie and Alex Ovechkin [Image Credit: Zimbio]
T.J. Oshie and Alex Ovechkin [Image Credit: Zimbio]

Washington Capitals defenceman Trevor van Riemsdyk commented on their loss, “I thought we did a lot of good things, especially that second half of the second period into the third, we did a lot, generated a lot”. “This time of year, it’s about getting results, not necessarily how you play.”

Prior to their faceoff against the Ducks, Capitals forward T.J. Oshie requested the crowd to chant for Ovie, supporting their captain on his return after his father’s tragic death at age of 71. Oshie further said that Ovie will not return alone on the ice, as his father Mikhail will be looking after his son on the ice. 

https://twitter.com/NBCSCapitals/status/1628902420376870914

Oshie said, “I think it’ll make for an emotional return.” “He’s our leader, our captain. It’ll be super important to get him back. Just having him being around the guys, I think that alone will bring the spark that maybe we need to get out of this rut we’re in.”

“We’re all super excited for the big man to return him and to support him”. “I imagine he’s going to have an angel watching over him tonight.” Alex Ovechkin said that losing his father was the “toughest situation” he faced in all his NHL career.

Ovechkin voiced out his desire to make his return on ice as soon as possible. Honoring his wish to be with his teammates, coach Peter Laviolette said, “I think Alex wants to come back and help our team be successful, whatever that means. Whether it’s him scoring three goals or one goal or just playing a great game…” 

“…and our team winning a hockey game, that’s probably first and foremost on his list…I’m sure he wants to come back and have a presence in the game.” Unfortunately, Ovie failed to make his victory comeback, but with fans and team support, the captain is expected to make his comeback soon.

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