Washington Capitals forward Ivan Miroshnichenko reflected on Alexander Ovechkin’s farewell words before the regular season, noting that the captain’s guidance carried into every practice and game. The messages, shared on Match TV, offered a straightforward approach: stay on the attack and keep the pace high.
“He always gives advice; For example, shoot more, play hockey. It’s one thing to have Sasha with you in the locker room and another thing to be in the game for 60 minutes. But when you see him before and after the match, the situation changes completely. I think it will be easier for Ovechkin in terms of recovery”, Miroshnichenko said.
On the night of November 30, Washington defeated the New York Islanders 5-4 in overtime. During regulation and overtime, neither side could settle the result until Jacob Chickran buried the winner. Russian forward Ivan Miroshnichenko added an assist to the Capitals’ comeback effort.
Losing Ovechkin to injury did not stop Washington; the team earned its third consecutive win in the regular season.
Earlier, in the road game on November 19, Washington defeated Utah. Ovechkin sustained a fibula fracture in his left leg and was ruled out for four to six weeks, according to the examination results.
Ovechkin remains in pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. Gretzky finished with 894 goals, while Ovechkin sits at 868, trailing by 26. He tallied 15 goals this season.
Earlier in Washington, officials commented on the incident that led to Ovechkin’s injury, offering updates and reassurances while focusing on the team’s next steps.
The Capitals continue to navigate a season shaped by leadership, resilience, and the ongoing chase for history, with younger players like Miroshnichenko stepping up as the veteran captain supports the comeback efforts from the sideline.