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Alex Ovechkin injury update: Washington Capitals star returns to skating two weeks after broken leg

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•12/05/24•

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Alex Ovechkin
Nov 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin is inching closer to a big return as he was seen skating two weeks after breaking his leg. The Washington Capitals shared a video of the legendary NHL player skating while wearing his practice gear.

In late November, the Capitals announced that Ovechkin would miss the next four to six weeks because of his injury. The 39-year-old suffered a fractured left fibula, and the injury happened as he led in the league in goals scored with 15.

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“Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin underwent further evaluation with team doctors,” the Capitals PR X account said. “It was confirmed that Ovechkin has a fracture to his left fibula and is anticipated to miss 4-6 weeks.”

“Everyone’s bummed out,” Capital winger Tom Wilson said recently. “We were sitting there saying, ‘This is weird. Like, it’s unbelievable that he’s actually hurt.’ It’s one of those things where like, he’s going to miss games? I’ve been around a long time, and it’s new to me.”

Will Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky’s scoring record?

Ovechkin has been with the Capitals since joining the NHL in 2005. He was selected No. overall by Washington in the 2004 NHL Draft and has put together a Hall of Fame career. Ovechkin holds multiple NHL career records and is second in all-time scoring behind Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin currently has 868 career goals, and Gretzky has 894.

In September, Gretzky talked about Ovechkin breaking his record. “Oh yeah, of course,” Gretzky said, per NHL.com. “It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever. I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer.”

Before the 2024-25 season, Ovechkin talked about staying healthy will be key to him making history. “Obviously, it’s still 42 goals,” he said. “I’m not getting younger, I’m getting older, but the most important thing is to stay healthy and do my job. I try to score goals, try to create, play physical and the most important thing is win another Cup. It’s not about the record.”

Ovechkin also talked about Gretzky showing support for him. “If that kind of person is rooting for me, it’s pretty cool stuff,” Ovechkin said. “He’s the best player out there and he’s a great human. He supports me and it’s a pretty cool thing.”