Alex Ovechkin Placed on Injured Reserve, Halting NHL Goals Record Pursuit

The Capitals captain is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-leg injury, pausing his chase to surpass Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.

Alex Ovechkin suffered a lower-leg injury during the third period of Monday's game against the Utah Hockey Club after a collision with Jack McBain.
The Washington Capitals have placed Ovechkin on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least three games, though his absence is expected to extend longer.
Ovechkin, who leads the NHL with 15 goals this season, remains 27 goals shy of Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 career goals.
The Capitals recalled 20-year-old forward Ivan Miroshnichenko from the AHL to fill Ovechkin's roster spot, while winger Sonny Milano was moved to long-term injured reserve.
Washington, currently leading the Metropolitan Division, faces challenges adjusting to Ovechkin's absence, with lineup changes expected in upcoming games.