Ovechkin Skates, Nears Return from Long Injury

Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals' 39-year-old star forward, has made a remarkable recovery stride by skating lightly just two weeks after fracturing his left fibula in a collision with Utah's Jack McBain. Initially projected to be out for four to six weeks, Ovechkin's early return to the ice is a promising sign, though there is no official timeline for his comeback. Before his injury, Ovechkin was leading the NHL with 15 goals in 18 games and is now 27 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 goals. Despite his absence, the Capitals have won their last four games and currently lead the Eastern Conference. Ovechkin's durability is notable as he's missed only 59 games in his 20 seasons, with this injury causing his longest career layoff. The Capitals will play the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday without Ovechkin, marking his seventh consecutive missed game.