Alex Ovechkin Returns to Capitals After Death of His Father; Missed Last 4 Games

Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin has returned from Russia and is back on the ice with his teammates for an optional practice following the death of his father, Mikhail Ovechkin, on Feb. 15.

Ovechkin, who had been on a leave of absence since Feb. 14, has missed Washington's last four games. His status for Thursday's game against the Anaheim Ducks is unclear.

Ovechkin announced the death of his father on Instagram last week. The 71-year-old had a huge influence on his hockey career, though he wasn't able to travel to the United States over the last several years due to health issues.

Last week, Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette said Ovechkin would have as much time as he needed before returning to the ice.

"It's just really sad," he told reporters. "You feel for him and pray for him and his family and obviously tough news. … He's got our full support. He's dealing with his family right now and he has our support to be there."

Ovechkin's absence in the Washington lineup over the last four games has been glaring. The Capitals have gone 0-4 without their captain and have been outscored 16-7. They now sit sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 28-25-6 record.

Ovechkin, a nine-time Rocket Richard winner as the NHL's leading goalscorer, leads the Capitals with 32 goals and 54 points in 54 games this season. His impending return will be a significant boost to Washington's offense.

The Capitals have some ground to make up in the standings, too, as they currently sit out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture with 62 points.

While it's unlikely Washington earns one of the three Metropolitan Division playoff spots as the third-place New York Rangers have 75 points, the team is within striking distance of a wild card berth.

The Florida Panthers currently occupy the East's second wild card spot with 64 points and the New York Islanders have the top wild card spot with 65 points. Washington has a game in hand on both teams.

The Capitals are entering a critical stretch with games against the Ducks, Rangers and Buffalo Sabres coming up.

The Ducks and Sabres are out of the playoff picture, and Washington must capitalize on the opportunity to build up some points. If Ovechkin returns, doing so will be much easier.