Alex Ovechkin Returns to Capitals After Missing 16 Games
Alex Ovechkin is back with the Capitals, resuming his chase for Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record after recovering from a broken fibula.
Alex Ovechkin, Washington, NHL, Capitals, Gretzky, Toronto Maple Leafs
Washington: After a tough 16-game break due to a broken fibula, Alex Ovechkin is finally back on the ice for the Capitals. He’ll be playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs this Saturday night.
Ovechkin got hurt during a game on November 18, when he collided with Jack McBain. At that point, he was leading the NHL with 15 goals. Now, he’s nine goals behind Leon Draisaitl, who’s currently leading the league.
“I just want to come back and play hockey,” Ovechkin said. He mentioned how hard it was to sit out and watch his teammates play without him. He’s been itching to help the team win.
Before his injury, Ovechkin was on fire, scoring five goals in just two games. With 868 career goals, he’s now just 27 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals.
After two weeks of light skating, he joined the team for morning practices in a non-contact jersey. The team decided to give him a bit more time to recover before bringing him back.
This long absence is unusual for Ovechkin, as it’s the most games he’s missed since joining the NHL in 2005. The previous longest was just six games back in 2009.
While he was out, the Capitals managed to hold their ground, going 10-5-1. They’re currently in second place in the Eastern Conference, just three points behind the New Jersey Devils.
Now that he’s back, Ovechkin is on a mission. With 48 games left in the regular season, if he keeps scoring like he was before, he could break Gretzky’s record before the playoffs start.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has even said he’ll be following Ovechkin closely as he approaches the record, with Gretzky himself joining in on the excitement.
“It’s just a matter of time,” Gretzky said about Ovechkin’s chances. “He’s a great player and a fantastic goal scorer.”