Alex Ovechkin Returns from Injury, Scores 869th Career Goal
The Capitals' captain is now just 25 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL scoring record after recovering from a fractured fibula.
- Alex Ovechkin scored an empty-net goal in his first game back after missing 16 games due to a fractured left fibula sustained on November 18.
- With 869 career goals, Ovechkin needs 25 more to surpass Wayne Gretzky's NHL record of 894 goals, which has stood since 1999.
- Ovechkin has scored 16 goals in 19 games this season, putting him on pace to challenge the record before his contract expires next season.
- The Capitals defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 in Ovechkin's return, extending their strong performance this season with a 10-5-1 record during his absence.
- Ovechkin played 14 minutes and 58 seconds, recording three shots and three hits, and will face the Detroit Red Wings in Washington's next game.