The Washington Capitals had to leave the NHL bubble early. Despite finishing as the top team in the Metropolitan Division, the Caps failed to advance out of the first round of the Stanley Cups playoffs, losing 4-0 to the New York Islanders.
Now, the Caps players have a couple of weeks off before heading back to practice. And for Alex Ovechkin, this was an opportunity to head back home to Russia.
During the weekend, Ovechkin travelled to the city of Novosibirsk and of course, it included plenty of hockey.
The superstar met with a youth hockey team, signing autographs, posed for a photo and spread joy among the players in an awesome gesture towards what might be future star players.
Later in the evening, Ovechkin was in attendance for the KHL game between Sibir Novosibirsk and Kunlun Red Star.
Good evening, dear fans. I hope that this season, the stands will soon not be 20% full, but 100% full,” Ovechkin said according to Russian news outlet Championat. “And everyone will root for Sibir, which has always been famous for its fans.”
Sibir Novosibirsk won the game 5-4. Kunlun forward German Shaporev scored twice. He surely was excited to have Ovi at the game.
“I wanted to show my shot to Ovechkin,” Shaporev said according to sports.ru. “It was a little exciting during the national anthem. As a kid, Ovechkin was my idol.”
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