NHL: Washington Capitals at Utah – Image Source: Imagn

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin’s return to action is on the horizon. The 39-year-old left-winger has been sidelined for the last 16 games with a broken fibula after colliding with Jack McBain in Utah on Nov. 18. It was terrible timing as the Great 8 is in the midst of chasing Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer.

Ovechkin was off to a torrid start to the 2024-25 season scoring 15 goals in his first 18 games, holding the league lead at the time of his injury. He had recorded 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists) in those 18 games, putting him on pace for 114 points which would’ve been a career-best.

The hockey world was starting to buzz about the potential of Ovechkin surpassing Wayne Gretzky this season. Currently sitting at 868 career goals, Ovi sits just 26 back of Gretzky. Everyone is eager for the Capitals winger to restore his chase of greatness.

Fans won’t have to wait much longer as it appears that the Great 8 could be returning to the lineup as soon as Saturday in Toronto.

“Coach Spencer Carbery said Capitals will wait to see how Alex Ovechkin (fractured fibula) reacts after practicing today and decide in morning if he’ll play at Toronto on Saturday,” Tom Gulitti said on X.

Coach Spencer Carbery said Capitals will wait to see how Alex Ovechkin (fractured fibula) reacts after practicing today and decide in morning if he’ll play at Toronto on Saturday.

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) December 27, 2024

Should Ovechkin return on Saturday in Toronto, he will have 48 games remaining in hopes of scoring 26 goals to tie the Great One, and 27 or more to surpass him.

Despite Alex Ovechkin’s absence, Washington Capitals have continued their winning ways

So far during Ovechkin’s 16-game injury stint, the Capitals have gone 11-5-1, good for 23 points in that stretch. Many teams have felt the effects of such a prolonged period of play without their captain and best player, which makes it quite impressive to see Washington’s recent success.

The Caps record now stands at 23-9-2 (48 points) and are placed second in the Metropolitan division, one point behind the leading New Jersey Devils. The seemingly imminent return of Ovechkin will certainly be welcomed by the Capitals as they attempt to move past the Devils in their pursuit of the division title.

The Capitals and perhaps Alex Ovechkin will return to action after their holiday break in Toronto to face the Maple Leafs on Saturday night during Hockey Night in Canada. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST at Scotiabank Arena.