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Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since his father’s death.

The 37-year-old captain had been away from the team since Feb. 14 following the passing of Mikhail Ovechkin, 71, whose funeral was held Saturday in Moscow.

The Capitals lost all four games in Ovechkin’s absence and were outscored 16-7.

Washington’s next game is Thursday at home against the Anaheim Ducks. The team did not make an official announcement on the availability of Ovechkin, however he appears more than willing to jump back into action.

“I didn’t talk to (coach Peter Laviolette), but we’ll see,” Ovechkin said. “I just want to come back right away, put my mind in a different position. We’re struggling right now, so I just want to try to do my best to bring energy, bring something to the team.”

Laviolette noted that the Capitals were impacted by Ovechkin’s absence.

“It was felt when he wasn’t here,” Laviolette said. “He’s a big part of the team. He’s our leading point-getter. He’s our leading goal-scorer. He’s the captain of the team. It’s his love for the game that shines through in the locker room, and it’s a big body and a big presence coming back in our lineup. So we’re certainly happy to have him back.”

Ovechkin has recorded team-leading totals in goals (32) and points (54) in 54 games this season. With 812 career goals, the three-time Hart Trophy winner trails only Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky (894) on the NHL’s career list.

–Field Level Media