Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin is recovering from a broken fibula which is expected to sideline him for 4-6 weeks.
Two weeks into his recovery, Ovechkin was spotted skating before the Capitals practice. Fans had to be delighted by this sight.
Alex Ovechkin is back on the ice two weeks after suffering a fractured left fibula. 👀
📽️: @Tarik_ElBashirpic.twitter.com/VWhTSWr7hO
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 2, 2024
His rapid return to the ice could indicate he will be ready to return to action earlier than expected.
It also shows what a warrior he is, skating with a broken leg.
How Are The Capitals Doing Without Him?
Fans were stressed when the Capitals lost the first two games of Ovechkin’s absence. As good teams tend to do, they figured out a way to win without their legendary captain and have won four straight games. Among the players picking up the slack is the third star of the week Jakob Chychrun.
Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun has been named the NHL’s Third Star for the week ending Dec. 1. Chychrun recorded seven points (3g, 4a) in four games, helping propel Washington to the top of the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference standings. pic.twitter.com/Ot5LeuIpH3
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 2, 2024
The Capitals are 17-6-1, second in the Metropolitan Division, and just one point behind the division-leading New Jersey Devils.
Alex Ovechkin’s Pursuit Of Wayne Gretzky’s Record Is On Pause
Ovechkin scored 15 goals in 18 games before his injury. He is 26 goals away from tying Gretzky’s record of 894 goals and 27 from breaking the NHL all-time goalscoring record. Before getting hurt and at the pace he was scoring, that record could have realistically been broken in December.
The record is still within reach this season if Ovechkin returns in January and resumes his streak. There are 18 games between January 2 and when the NHL takes a break for the 4 Nations Face-Off from February 10-20. That will be a critical time for the 39-year-old to pick up where he left off. After the 4 Nations Face-Off, 27 regular season games are left.
