Alex Ovechkin likely to return prior game against Ducks as Capitals PILE UP losses in absence of “The Great Eight”
Capitals’ can expect their captain Alex Ovechkin on their lineup, hopefully by this week, as reported by the head coach and Russian news source.
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Alex Ovechkin [Image Credit: NHL.com]
Washington Capitals had a very tough week in absence of their team captain Alex Ovechkin. The Great Eight missed practice and games after his father reportedly passed away on February 15 at the age of 71. His father was reportedly suffering from heart problems a while ago and his condition worsened slowly.
His father was laid to rest in Moscow the past weekend. A Russian news agency TASS reported that Ovechkin will land in DC on Tuesday. Even head coach Peter Laviolette said he’s hoping to add him to the lineup by the week. Without his presence, the team has lost many of its matches and is on verge of getting out of the playoff spot.
The Russian source TASS reported, “Alexander Ovechkin will fly to Washington tomorrow.” While Peter commented, “I’m hoping this week”. “I haven’t communicated with him. He’s dealing with stuff at home. We’ll see how it goes.”
Alex Ovechkin may add to Capitals’ roster in game against Ducks
Without Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals lost 3 games in the week against Carolina Hurricanes, the Florida Panthers, and the Carolina Hurricanes again on Saturday. They have only 3 regulation wins in their last 16 games. Currently out of the playoff slot, the team will have to revive and win their game this week.
It’s expected that Ovechkin will not be able to join their roster in the game against Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday but hopefully be there in their match against Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. The Red Wings are just 2 points apart from the Caps in the standings.
After his dad passed away, Ovechkin, The Great Eight took to Instagram captioning, “Today I lost my father”. “I thank everyone for the support, but please be understanding and do not disturb my family in this difficult time for us. Thank you.”
According to NHL.com, the team posted a tweet following the loss, “The Washington Capitals organization is saddened to hear of the passing of our captain Alex Ovechkin’s father, Mr. Mikhail Ovechkin”. “Mr. Ovechkin was a true gentleman and was such a significant and consistent presence at Capitals games and practices.”
“With a constant smile on his face, he loved interacting with our fans and expressing the gratitude for their support of his son, of whom he was incredibly proud. Our organization’s thoughts are with the Ovechkin family at this difficult time.”
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Kaushani Chatterjee
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