The Washington Capitals received an early Christmas gift as their captain and franchise icon Alex Ovechkin returns to the lineup tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ovechkin has been sidelined since November 18th after breaking his fibula in a collision with Utah Hockey Club forward Jack McBain. His absence was felt immediately as the Capitals struggled to score goals and maintain their position atop the Eastern Conference without their offensive catalyst.
But now, after missing 5 weeks and 16 games, the Great 8 is back and ready to pick up where he left off in his relentless pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. Ovechkin had a blistering start to the season, leading the NHL with 15 goals in the first 18 games to bring his career total to 868 – just 26 shy of tying Gretzky’s monumental mark of 894.
Ovechkin’s injury timeline
The Capitals’ worst fears were realized on that fateful November night in Utah when their 39-year-old captain went down in a heap after an accidental collision. The initial prognosis had Ovechkin out 4-6 weeks with a broken fibula, a rare major injury for the indestructible Russian who had never missed more than 6 games in any prior season.
- November 18: Ovechkin breaks fibula, ruled out 4-6 weeks
- December 2: Resumes skating, making steady progress
- December 27: Returns to practice in usual top line spot
- December 28: Back in Capitals’ lineup vs Maple Leafs
“The obvious thing [Ovechkin brings] is the goal scoring but I even just think the threat of him being able to score, I think it lifts up our entire group. Him being in the lineup, his presence, his infectious personality, demeanor, and him being on the ice…everybody in the building, along with our 19 other players, believe that he can score and that lifts our entire group up.”
– Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery
Capitals treading water without Ovi
To their credit, the Capitals managed to stay afloat and even thrive at times during Ovechkin’s 5-week absence, going 10-5-1 over that span. They leaned heavily on their depth and team defense to grind out wins while their offensive game sputtered without #8.
Washington scored 2 or fewer goals in 9 of the 16 games Ovechkin missed compared to just 4 such low-scoring efforts in the 18 games with him in the lineup. The Caps averaged 3.3 goals per game before his injury but just 2.6 while he was out – a significant drop-off for a team built around Ovechkin’s elite finishing ability.
Chasing down Gretzky
Now that the band is back together, the Capitals are fixated on two numbers: 16 and 894.
16 represents the number of wins they likely need to secure a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Eastern conference. And 894 is the magic number Ovechkin is chasing – Gretzky’s record for most goals in NHL history that has stood for over 20 years.
Before his injury, Ovi was on pace for 68 goals this season which would have propelled him past Gretzky. Missing nearly 6 weeks will make that an uphill climb now but don’t doubt the determination and ability of one of the greatest pure scorers to ever lace up a pair of skates.
With 42 games remaining, Ovechkin needs 27 goals to surpass Gretzky. That’s a tall order for a mere mortal but par for the course for a generational talent who craves scoring the way most nhl players crave oxygen.
“You could feel it, like you were just waiting for the day when he’s going to come back in the lineup. You could feel his presence around and he’s participated a little bit more and now the day has come.”
– Coach Carbery on Ovechkin’s return
Capitals’ Stanley Cup odds improve
While Alex Ovechkin remained sidelined, sportsbooks lengthened the Capitals’ odds to win the Stanley Cup, dropping them from a top 5 favorite to more of a fringe contender. But now that the greatest goal scorer of all time is back, expect those odds to shorten significantly.
Few players in NHL history has Ovechkin’s ability to singlehandedly swing a game, a series, and in turn a team’s championship fortunes. With #8 on the ice, the Capitals are a threat to beat any team in a 7-game series. Without him, they are just another playoff hopeful.
Washington currently sits 3rd in the Metro division, 5 points behind the first place Carolina Hurricanes with a game in hand. They have two games remaining against the Canes and could still conceivably catch them for the division crown if they finish strong with a healthy Ovechkin leading the charge.
The legend continues
In his 19th NHL season, Alex Ovechkin continues to build on an already unassailable legacy as one of the most dominant offensive forces hockey has ever seen. In addition to chasing down Gretzky’s iconic record, here are a few more milestones within reach for the ageless wonder:
- 9th 50-goal season: Would break tie with Mike Bossy & Wayne Gretzky for most in NHL history
- 9th season leading the NHL in goals: Extending his own record of 8
- 13th 40-goal season: Tying Wayne Gretzky for the most in NHL history
- 17th 30-goal season: Extending his own NHL record
All eyes will be on #8 as he resumes his maniacal assault on the NHL record books, his first taste of game action in over a month. The hockey world has been eagerly awaiting Ovechkin’s return, as his chase of Gretzky has become one of the most captivating storylines in all of sports.
But beyond the individual achievements, Ovechkin’s greatest desire is to hoist Lord Stanley’s mug over his head for a second time. With their heart and soul back in the lineup, the Capitals have regained their Stanley Cup swagger. Lookout NHL, the Great 8 is on a mission – and he’s not coming off the ice until it’s complete.
