Tragedy hits Alex Ovechkin just a day after leaving Capitals

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin announced on Wednesday the death of his father on Instagram this morning.

"Today my father passed away," Ovechkin posted on his Instagram page, as translated by Google. "I thank everyone for their support, but I ask you to be understanding and not disturb my family at such a difficult time for us! Thank you."

The Capitals had announced on Tuesday that Ovechkin would be taking a leave of absence from the team “to attend to a family matter and the health of a loved one.” More details then emerged from what is happening to poor Ovechkin and it has been confirmed that the Capitals’ captain traveled to Moscow as his father Mikhail is sick and required “urgent hospitalization.” The report first came from Russian outlet Match TV, and Daria Tuboltseva of Russia’s Sport24 posted the news online.

Ovechkin remains focused on his chase for Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record of 894, having passed Gordie Howe for second all-time earlier this year. He has 812 goals and 1,464 points in 1,328 career games.

However at this time, he asks for privacy to deal with their terrible tragedy and the time to be with the rest of his family to grieve Mikhail, who will be dearly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ovechkin and his loved ones at this difficult time.

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