Alex Ovechkin suddenly leaves the Washington Capitals for an indefinite period

In the last few seconds, Washington Capitals Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian MacLellan announced that captain Alex Ovechkin will be absent from the team to attend to a family matter and the health of a loved one.

Ovechkin must return home immediately and we have no idea when he will return.

Many fans are worried about this news today, and rightly so, but let's wait and see.

Ovechkin, 37, has 54 points in 54 games this season (32 goals). His Capitals are currently in the thick of the NHL playoff race with 62 points overall as of today.

The last playoff team in the East, Pittsburgh, is at 61 points.

A reminder

Following Ovechkin's sudden departure, the Capitals recalled forward Joe Snively from the Hershey Bears.

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