Alex Ovechkin isn't lingering in the United States after his Washington Capitals' ouster from the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Ovechkin is headed to the Czech Republic, where he will join Russia's national hockey team. On Saturday, Russia faces Team USA in the semifinals of the world hockey championships.
MORE: U.S., Canada advance | Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist shuts down Capitals
A victory in that game would put Russia in the championship game, where it is expected to face Canada. Winner of Thursday's final quarterfinal game, the Czechs will face the unbeaten Canadians in the semis.
Russia defeated defending champion Sweden 5-3 on Thursday, with two goals from Evgeni Malkin. Now, the most dangerous scorer in hockey will don his national colors against an American team that includes two players from North American minor pro leagues and five collegians.
In addition to Ovechkin and Malkin, Russia's roster includes Ilya Kovalchuk, a former NHL sniper, and Vladimir Tarasenko of the St. Louis Blues.
Ovechkin is no stranger to success in IIHF competition. He was captain for the Russian national team and a member of three world champion winners. He has 31 goals and 26 assists in 65 career games, albeit many of them against lesser national teams.
Russian general manager Andrei Safranov said Ovechkin was expected to arrive overnight. The Capitals confirmed Ovechkin was headed for Prague.