Caps' Ovechkin on leave after father's death
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin says his father, Mikhail, has died at age 71.
Ovechkin delivered the news Wednesday on social media along with family photos and video.
“Today my father passed away,” Ovechkin posted in Russian on his Instagram account. “I thank everyone for their support but ask that you be understanding and not disturb my family at such a hard time for us! Thank you.”
Ovechkin left the Capitals on Tuesday to tend to what the team called a family health matter regarding a loved one. Coach Peter Laviolette said he expected Ovechkin to be gone for at least the rest of the week and away for the foreseeable future.
“Life is tough,” Laviolette said. “When it comes to your family and parents, that's what matters. He's going to deal with some things right now, and we're going to be supportive.”
Ovechkin's father had not been in Washington in recent years while dealing with health issues at home in Moscow. Before that, Mikhail was a familiar face at the Capitals' practice facility and at games watching his son.
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