Alex Ovechkin Returns to Capitals Lineup Following Father’s Death

He hasn’t played since Feb. 14 after returning home to Russia.

Capitals coach Peter Laviolette announced Thursday that Alex Ovechkin will play on Thursday for the first time since going home to Russia after the death of his father, Mikhail Ovechkin. He last played on Feb. 14. 

The Capitals have gone 0–4 since Ovechkin left, including a blowout loss to the Hurricanes at the Stadium Series game. The winger leads his team in points with 54 on the season and they sorely need him back as they try to maintain their footing with a 28-25-6 record. 

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Ovechkin will also continue to chase down Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record. The 37-year-old has scored 812 career goals with 32 this season, and just recently passed Gordie Howe (801) to move into second all-time on the league’s scoring list. Ovechkin is still 82 goals shy of Gretzky’s long-standing mark.

The home game against Ducks is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, where Ovechkin is expected to make his return.