The Washington Capitals will play their final game before a three-day holiday break for Christmas: a Monday night tilt against the Boston Bruins.
Alex Ovechkin did not travel with his teammates for the game, instead staying back in DC and getting in a solo skate at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Ovechkin’s been out since fracturing the fibula in his left leg on November 18 against the Utah Hockey Club.
Ovechkin’s wife, Nastya Ovechkina, took video of her husband working with Capitals skills coach Kenny McCudden as a group of children, including Ovi’s son Sergei, looked on and cheered.
Ovechkin was ruled out of returning before Christmas by Spencer Carbery days ago, but the Capitals captain could return as soon as Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“He’s been cleared for contact so he can resume regular activities with the main group,” Carbery said on December 20. “We won’t see him before the break. So, the target will become sometime after the break whether it’s that first game.
“Just with the timing of everything and… for him to get these days plus the break, with where he’s at medically, that’s the best decision.”
Ovechkin has been fully practicing with the team lately, shedding his non-contact jersey last Friday.
Despite being sidelined, Ovechkin has still made his presence known at games. One reader recently caught him grabbing food after presumably working out at Capital One Arena. Last night, he stood behind the corner boards with his son Sergei rooting the team on during warmups before puck drop against the Los Angeles Kings.
Look who joined for warmies #OviJr pic.twitter.com/XcZ8A0U37S
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 22, 2024
When Ovechkin does get back on the ice, he will resume his chase of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record of 894. Ovechkin currently has 868 goals, 26 shy of The Great One’s mark.
