Short Shifts
Ovechkin surprised with balloons by wife, son on 34th birthday
Capitals captain received special delivery after practice
by Pat Pickens @Pat_Pickens / NHL.com Staff Writer
Tuesday was Alex Ovechkin's birthday, which means he had a special guest at practice.
Ovechkin's wife Nastya and their son Sergei surprised the Washington Capitals captain with a visit and balloons for his 34th birthday.
Clad in a jersey with "Ovi Jr." and his dad's signature No. 8, Sergei spent practice with his mom before going rinkside for his big reveal. After practice, Ovechkin picked up Ovi Jr. for a celebratory snuggle.
It basically was cuteness overload.
Ovechkin may have been in a celebratory mood, but he'll be more serious Wednesday when he makes his preseason debut against the St. Louis Blues.