Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks after missing the team's last four games.
The star forward flew home to Russia to be with family after the passing of his father, Mikhail. During Ovechkin's absence, the Capitals went 0-4.
He returned on Wednesday, going directly from the airport to the team's optional skate.
"I talked with him yesterday, talked with him this morning as well, and he's in the lineup tonight," head coach Peter Laviolette said Thursday.
"I think Alex wants to come back and help our team be successful, whatever that means. Whether it's him scoring three goals or one goal or just playing a great game and our team winning the hockey game. That's probably first and foremost on his list, but I'm sure he wants to come back and have a presence in the game."
Ovechkin, 37, leads Washington with 32 goals and 54 points in 54 games this season.
