Alex Ovechkin will be away from the Washington Capitals to attend to a family matter and the health of a loved one, the team announced Tuesday. Ovechkin will be out for the foreseeable future and may miss Saturday’s Stadium Series game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“When it comes to your family and parents, that’s what matters,” Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette said, per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. “He’s going to deal with some things right now, and we’re going to be supportive.”
Ovechkin’s absence will loom large for Washington. The Capitals currently sit in the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 62 points. However, they’re just two points up on Florida Panthers and New York Islanders in the standings.
Ovehckin addressed the Capitals Tuesday morning before leaving for Russia.
“He came and talked to the boys,” Capitals forward T.J. Oshie said, per Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic. “Definitely nice to get to see him and give him a hug and let him know that we’re here for him in person rather than over text.”
The Capitals have recalled forward Joe Snively from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League in place of Ovechkin’s departure. Snively has one assist in six games with the Capitals this season.
“We’re here supporting him,” Capitals center Nickas Backstrom said of Ovechkin. “We’re on his side and hope everything goes well.”
The Capitals will play two of its three games this week against the Hurricanes, including Saturday’s Stadium Series. The Hurricanes tweeted out their support for Ovechkin upon hearing the news of his departure.
“Sending positive thoughts on behalf of the organization. There is nothing more important than those we love. We are wishing the best for Alex and his family.”
Alex Ovechkin, 37, has 32 goals and 22 assists in 54 games this season. He is also on the NHL’s all-time goal list with 812. He is 82 goals shy of the record held by Wayne Gretzky. But the “Gr8 Chase” is momentarily put on hold with Ovechkin attending to family matters.
