Ovechkin, 39, had a red-hot start to the season and had scored five goals in his previous two games before the injury. His 15 goals this season puts him at 868 for his career, 27 away from breaking the NHL record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky.

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky.

Ovechkin scored twice in a 6-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club on Nov. 18, getting goals 867 and 868 in his first game in Salt Lake City before leaving in the third period. When is Ovechkin’s next game?

The Capitals’ encouraging performance without Alex Ovechkin proves that they are a good team — and that they will probably reach new heights when he returns.

Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record should be back on very soon. Signs point to Ovechkin returning to the Washington Capitals' lineup on Saturday night at the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing five weeks with a broken left leg.