Alex Ovechkin Skates Amid Injury Recovery

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is making progress in his recovery from a fractured left fibula, having skated for about 20 minutes before practice recently, as he aims to break Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record. Ovechkin's injury occurred on November 18 during a game against the Utah Hockey Club, leading to a four-to-six-week recovery timeline, which could see him return between late December and early January. Despite his absence, the Capitals have performed well, going 6-2-1 in the nine games without him. Teammate Nicklas Backstrom, who is also injured, joined Ovechkin on the ice, marking a positive moment for both players. Ovechkin had scored 15 goals in 18 games prior to his injury and is only 26 goals away from Gretzky's record. As the Capitals sit atop the Metropolitan Division, Ovechkin's return could provide a significant boost to their playoff aspirations.