Ovechkin’s absence hasn’t slowed the Capitals’ momentum. They have gone 8-2-1 in that span, surging to the top of the Eastern Conference standings and sitting just one point behind the Winnipeg Jets in the Presidents’ Trophy race to be the best regular-season team in the NHL.

When could Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin realistically return to the team after suffering a broken fibula in late November?

Teammate Nicklas Backstrom, currently on long-term injured reserve for a nagging hip problem, joined him in his natural spot: Serving up passes for Ovechkin to slap shots from his "office," also known as the left faceoff circle.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Alex Ovechkin has not missed many games during his two decades in the NHL with the Washington Capitals, and that remarkable durability is one reason why he is fast-approaching Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record.

While the Washington Capitals have been able to stay atop the Eastern Conference without captain Alex Ovechkin, they're still eagerly awaiting his return as he recovers from a broken leg, and it appears that could come sooner rather than later.

Alex Ovechkin is reportedly days away from returnning to the Washington Capitals after suffering a broken leg in November.

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has been tirelessly working to return from a leg injury, and he could be back in the lineup before long.