Alex Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, returned to the ice for the first time since suffering a broken fibula during a collision with Jack McBain on November 18, 2024.

Ovechkin skated alone on December 2, 2024, wearing a tracksuit and helmet but no hockey gear, as he begins his recovery process.

Capitals' coach Spencer Carbery described Ovechkin's return to skating as a positive step, although no specific timeline for his full return to play has been established.

The Capitals announced that Ovechkin would not require surgery, suggesting he could return to play by late December or early January.

Initially listed as week-to-week, further examination ruled Ovechkin out for four to six weeks, but he is making progress in his recovery.

Despite Ovechkin's absence, the Capitals have won four consecutive games and currently lead the Eastern Conference, showcasing strong performance on the power play.

During Ovechkin's sidelining, the team has excelled on the power play, converting 40% of their opportunities.

Before his injury, Ovechkin had scored 15 goals in his first 18 games, leaving him 27 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL career record.

His next goal will mark his 179th against a different goaltender, setting a new league record and surpassing Jaromir Jagr.

Winger Sonny Milano is also recovering from an upper-body injury and has a long way to go before returning to the lineup.

Carbery praised the team's adaptability and teamwork in adjusting to Ovechkin's absence, indicating their collective effort has been impressive.

It remains unclear if this was Ovechkin's first return to the ice since sustaining the injury.