Alex Ovechkin made a triumphant return to the ice, scoring an empty-net goal to seal the Washington Capitals’ 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. With his 869th career goal, Ovechkin is now just 25 goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894 goals. The goal also marked his 16th of the season, coming in just 19 games, continuing his impressive scoring pace. Ovechkin’s return added a spark to the Capitals, who are pushing for playoff contention.
Ovechkin had been sidelined for over a month after suffering a fractured left fibula in a November 18 collision with Jack McBain of the Utah Hockey Club. Despite the injury, Ovechkin remained closely involved with the team, frequently skating and being present in the locker room throughout his recovery. His return was eagerly anticipated, and he expressed mixed emotions about getting back on the ice. Although he acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the speed and rhythm of the game, he was happy to contribute to the win.
The 39-year-old star was initially expected to miss four to six weeks due to the injury. After resuming skating in early December, he steadily worked his way back into shape during the NHL’s holiday break. Ovechkin described the recovery as a “hard month,” but he was pleased to have returned to action and to have helped his team secure an important victory. His determination and resilience were evident as he quickly found his rhythm again.
In his pursuit of Gretzky’s goal-scoring record, Ovechkin remains focused on taking things “game by game” and “shift by shift.” Despite his individual achievements, he continues to emphasize the importance of contributing to the team’s success. This perspective is especially important as the Capitals are making a strong push toward the top of the Eastern Conference standings, with Ovechkin’s leadership serving as a key component of their resurgence.
The Capitals were successful in Ovechkin’s return, with additional goals from Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun, Nic Dowd, and Tom Wilson. Goaltender Logan Thompson made 35 saves to secure the win, while Toronto’s Matt Murray stopped 27 shots. Ovechkin, who played just under 15 minutes in the game, contributed three hits and three shots along with his goal. The Capitals will quickly turn their focus to their next game against the Detroit Red Wings, as they look to maintain their momentum with Ovechkin back in the lineup.
