Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is taking a leave of absence to return home to Moscow after a death in the family, the National Hockey League club announced on Monday. Ovechkin learned of the death of a close relative and left a day after the Capitals completed their pre-season schedule with a 4-1 home victory over Chicago. A team spokesman said the Capitals hope the two-time NHL Most Valuable Player will be back with the team in time for Saturday's season opener at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. Ovechkin, a 26-year-old left wing who was the top overall selection in the 2004 NHL Draft, scored 32 goals and set up 53 others last season. He led the NHL with 11 game-winning goals and in total shots with 367. The Capitals were swept by Tampa Bay in the second round of last year's Stanley Cup playoffs.