Ovechkin to join Russia at World Championship

It's not a Stanley Cup, but the pursuit of a gold medal isn't the worst consolation.

Alex Ovechkin will join Russia at the ongoing World Hockey Championship.

Ovechkin will fly to the Czech Republic on Thursday afternoon to join the team in time for Saturday's semifinal against the United States, the Washington Capitals announced.

Russia defeated Sweden 5-3 in the quarterfinal round Thursday.

The New York Rangers beat the Capitals 2-1 in overtime of Game 7 in their second-round playoff series Wednesday night. Ovechkin provided all of the Capitals' offense with a goal in the first period.

He led Russia to a gold medal at last year's World Championship - the team's fourth championship in the last seven years.

Ovechkin has represented Russia over a dozen times in his career, including 11 times at the World Championship.