The Russian star and Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin explained his decision to fly to Dubai with his family during the NHL regular season. His remarks illuminate the moment for Sports Express as he shared the rationale behind the trip and the feelings that accompanied it.
It was Nastya’s grandfather’s birthday, and the family chose to celebrate in a memorable way. A large gathering of relatives and friends was organized, and the trip filled them with remarkable emotions. The choice to travel in the middle of the season was challenging, yet the payoff in joy and togetherness outweighed the fatigue of the travel. Ovechkin recalled that the experience was well worth the effort.
In the game against the Colorado Avalanche on February 14, Ovechkin added a goal to his tally. This marked the sixth consecutive game in which he found the net. His ongoing goal-scoring run, combined with assists, has produced a seven-game stretch of productive contributions this season, reflecting a pattern of consistent offense for the veteran forward.
Across the NHL season, the Russian winger appeared in 49 regular-season games, registering 14 goals and 23 assists. His all-around production highlights his role as a trusted firepower source for the Capitals, contributing both scoring and playmaking as the team navigates a demanding schedule.
Ovechkin remains in pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. The Moscow-native currently sits at 836 goals, trailing Gretzky’s historic 894 by 58 goals as the season unfolds. The race to climb higher on the list of the sport’s all-time greats continues to captivate fans as Ovechkin chases a historic milestone that has stood for decades.
Earlier in the season, there was optimism in Russia about Ovechkin reaching the 20-goal mark in the NHL. That expectation reflects the enduring belief in his scoring ability and his importance to the Capitals in any given campaign.