Ovechkin Rested and Ready for Capitals' Playoff Push

Washington captain still undecided on future in final year of contract

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin took a break during the Olympic Games to rest and recharge with his family. Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, is in the final year of his contract and has not yet decided if he will return next season. The Capitals are currently outside the playoff picture, but Ovechkin is focused on helping the team qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in their final 23 games of the regular season.

Why it matters

Ovechkin's future with the Capitals is a major storyline, as he is one of the greatest players in NHL history. The team's playoff hopes also hang in the balance, as they look to overcome a mid-season slump and secure a postseason berth.

The details

Ovechkin took a vacation in Dubai during the Olympic break to spend time with his family and recharge mentally and physically. He says he has not yet decided if this will be his final season in the NHL, as he is in the last year of his contract. The Capitals have struggled at times this season, going 7-13-4 over a 24-game stretch, but have won four of their last five games heading into the final push. Ovechkin acknowledges the team will need to win almost every game to make the playoffs, as they currently trail the Boston Bruins by four points for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

  • Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal on April 6, 2025 to surpass Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.
  • The Capitals' final 23 games of the regular season begin on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Alex Ovechkin

The 40-year-old Washington Capitals captain is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer with 919 regular-season goals.

Ted Leonsis

The owner of the Washington Capitals.

Chris Patrick

The general manager of the Washington Capitals.

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What they’re saying

“You have to enjoy your time, spend time with the family. Don't think about hockey.”

— Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Captain (NHL.com)

“We're going to have to win almost every game to make the playoffs.”

— Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Captain (NHL.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Ovechkin's future with the Capitals remains uncertain, but his focus is on helping the team secure a playoff spot in the final stretch of the season. The team's recent struggles have put them in a precarious position, but Ovechkin's leadership and goal-scoring ability could be the key to a late-season surge.