Ovechkin’s absence has paused his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. With 15 goals in 18 games this season, Ovechkin (868 career goals) is just 27 shy of surpassing Gretzky’s 894-goal mark.

The Capitals announced Nov. 21 that Ovechkin would miss 4-6 weeks after he was injured in a leg-on-leg collision with Utah forward Jack McBain 5:30 into the third period of their 6-2 victory. He skated before practice Monday wearing a track suit and helmet while Capitals athletic trainer Jason Serbus watched from the bench.

Alex Ovechkin was spotted skating ahead of Washington Capitals practice on Monday as he works his way back from a fractured left fibula.