Ovechkin apologizes for Russia's hockey performance, Backstrom remains upset over doping test

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, left, and center Nicklas Backstrom work out during a Capitals hockey practice, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va. Ovechkin's father had heart surgery, and Backstrom missed the gold medal game because of a failed doping test. Both players are back from an eventful Olympics. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (The Associated Press)

03747967-Capitals Ovechkin Backstrom Hockey

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, left, and center Nicklas Backstrom pause during a Capitals hockey practice, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va. Ovechkin's father had heart surgery, and Backstrom missed the gold medal game because of a failed doping test. Both players are back from an eventful Olympics. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (The Associated Press)

ARLINGTON, Va. – Alex Ovechkin has apologized for Russia's disappointing performance in the hockey tournament at the Winter Olympics.

Ovechkin spoke Tuesday as he rejoined the Washington Capitals for the resumption of the NHL season.

Russia was eliminated in the quarterfinals last week in Sochi.

Said Ovechkin: "I want to say sorry to the fans because it's once in a lifetime opportunity to represent your country in the Olympics, and you didn't get the results, you didn't get any medal."

Ovechkin said he is worried most about his father, who is doing better after having heart surgery during the Olympics.

Also returning to the Capitals was Nicklas Backstrom, who remains upset because he wasn't allowed to play for Sweden in the gold medal game because of a failed doping test.