Ovechkin Trains with NHL Star, Spotted with Dolphins in Miami

MIAMI, Florida – Alex Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, recently made headlines while enjoying a family vacation in Miami, demonstrating his affinity for both leisure and preparation as the NHL season progresses. The 2023-24 season has seen Ovechkin on a commendable scoring spree, netting 23 goals in his last 36 games.

During a boat outing with his family and former teammate Dmitry Orlov, Ovechkin was overjoyed to witness a playful dolphin jumping in the wake of their speedboat. His wife, Nastya Ovechkina, shared video footage of the encounter, capturing the delightful moment.

Ovechkin arrived in Miami earlier this week and has plans for a unique training regimen as he aims to stay in top shape for the remainder of the season. “I will have a small training camp with a person whose name I will not name yet,” Ovechkin teased in an interview. “But he played in the NHL. Let’s make a little mystery out of this. And it is not Ilya Kovalchuk. Maybe you will see this on my or his social media. He is a famous person.”

At present, Ovechkin has compiled 40 points, including 26 goals and 14 assists, through 38 games and is on track to surpass Wayne Gretzky‘s all-time goals record, needing just 16 more scores. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery expressed confidence in Ovechkin’s capability to elevate his game after the upcoming break.

Carbery remarked on the challenges of returning to form after time away, stating, “In my head, at 39 years old… that’s really, really hard. I think he’s going to look even better coming out of the break. That’s just my own personal opinion.” Ovechkin’s performance in the first 38 games this season is encouraging, with his goal-per-game average sitting at 0.68, slightly above his career average of 0.60.

The Capitals are facing a busy schedule ahead, with 27 games remaining after the break. As the team prepares to resume play next Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ovechkin’s efforts off the ice may well solidify his position among the greats in NHL history.

In a follow-up the following day, Ovechkin revealed the identity of his training partner: former NHL defender Darius Kasparaitis. “During this break, I will be training with my good friend and NHL star Darius Kasparaitis!” Ovechkin announced, sharing a photo of them together at a gym in North Miami. “We have already started training together. Thanks to Kasper for his help!”

Kasparaitis, who played 14 seasons in the NHL primarily with the New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, and other teams, praised Ovechkin’s fitness level, stating, “He is in great shape and can still play.” The 52-year-old, now a real estate business president in Florida, pointed out how their previous training sessions during the pandemic provided a bond that continues today. “I hope that he will break Wayne Gretzky’s record this season; he has every chance of doing so,” he added, optimistic about Ovechkin’s prospects.