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Alex Ovechkin heads back to Russia due to death in the family

Nashville Predators v Washington Capitals

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates in warmups prior to the game against the Nashville Predators at the 1st Mariner Arena on September 20, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Predators defeated the Capitals 2-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Alex Ovechkin will be away from the Washington Capitals for the next few days as he left for Moscow to be with his family after the passing of his uncle in Russia.

The Washington Post notes that the Capitals are hopeful that Ovechkin will return in time for the start of the season on Saturday night against Carolina. Ovechkin being the team captain and unquestioned offensive leader means if he’s out the Caps will have to find their offense elsewhere.

Washington heads into the new season with sky-high expectations after making some key additions in the offseason, but it’s Ovechkin’s success that will determine how far they can go this year.

Here’s to hoping that Ovechkin and his family find peace in this time of grief.