Alex Ovechkin May Return for Capitals

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of returning after missing five weeks due to a broken fibula suffered from a collision on November 18. He participated in a full practice on Friday, skating with regular linemates and taking part in power play drills, with coach Spencer Carbery noting that things are 'trending in the right direction' for his potential return against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Ovechkin led the NHL with 15 goals in 18 games before his injury and is just 27 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 goals. Despite his absence, the Capitals have performed well, winning 10 of the 15 games he missed, currently holding second place in the Eastern Conference. His return is anticipated to provide a significant boost to a team that has navigated well without him but could benefit from his offensive prowess as they aim for the division title. The Capitals are positioned with a record of 23-9-2, just one point behind the New Jersey Devils.