Dec 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) gestures toward goalie Logan Thompson (not shown) as he celebrates scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

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Alex Ovechkin Returns to Capitals Lineup After 5-Week Absence

The Washington Capitals welcome back star forward Alex Ovechkin, rejuvenating their offense after his extended injury recovery.

The Capitals winger has been out of action since fracturing his fibula on Nov. 18 during a clash with Utah Hockey Club player Jack McBain. At that moment, Alex Ovechkin was at the top of the NHL with 15 goals in 18 matches—his total of 868 goals was closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s career scoring record of 894.

That pursuit is now returning in a significant manner. However, Ovechkin’s comeback signifies much more for Washington. Ovechkin stated it was a “tough month” on the sidelines, with much of his energy directed towards gym workouts. Reconnecting with Gretzky’s pace wasn’t his main focus until he was approved to return.

Guess who 👀

Alex Ovechkin is just 26 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record! pic.twitter.com/lAtKlDmWge
— NHL (@NHL) December 29, 2024

Numerous teammates of Ovechkin have been committed for years to his pursuit of a championship, not just due to its significance for Ovechkin personally but for their entire team. The 39-year-old, who had previously missed no more than six games in his career due to an injury, was expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks after the incident. He started skating again on Dec. 2 and had consistently improved during the NHL’s recent holiday break.

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Ovechkin returned to Friday’s practice in his first-line position alongside Dylan Strome and Aliaksei Protas, also participating in the Capitals’ leading power-play unit, suggesting that he was set to play on Saturday.

Washington achieved a record of 10-5-1 without Ovechkin, and Carbery expects a considerable “boost” for the Capitals as they aim to keep their lead in the Eastern Conference rankings.

Image Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin

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Anamika Shrivastava

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