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.

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.

The Washington Capitals are the best team in hockey, and that's without their best goal scorer, captain Alex Ovechkin. The 39-year-old, who has been on injured reserve since fracturing his left fibula on Nov. 18, was seen skating ahead of practice again Monday and seemingly ramping up his speed.

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 Washington Capitals continue to get positive news on the Alex Ovechkin front, as his recovery from a broken leg continues to trend in the irght direction. Ovechkin skated again on his own ahead of practice,