Ovechkin returns to practice for Capitals

Nov 3, 2008 - 4:27 PM ARLINGTON, Virginia (Ticker) -- Alex Ovechkin was back at practice for the Washington Capitals on Monday and is expected to play in Tuesday's game against the Ottawa Senators.

Ovechkin spent six days in Russia with his ailing grandfather, missing a pair of games. The Capitals went 1-1 without the superstar left wing, who returned to Washington on Sunday.

The Capitals are coming off Saturday's 5-0 loss in Buffalo.

The reigning Art Ross, Maurice Richard and Hart Trophy winner, Ovechkin also missed Tuesday's 4-3 shootout victory over the Nashville Predators, ending his consecutive games streak at 203.

Ovechkin, 23, has recorded two goals and three assists in eight games this season. The 2006 Calder Trophy winner, who was drafted first overall in 2004, led the league in 2007-08 with 65 goals and 112 points as he helped Washington to the Southeast Division title.