Alex Ovechkin close to returning to Capitals lineup

At the time he left the Washington Capitals lineup with an injury, Alex Ovechkin was on one of the hottest stretches of his career, having just scored his 15th goal of the season in just his 18th game, leading the club with 25 points and looking well on his way to passing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time regular-season record for goals with 894.

Some thought the Capitals would struggle during Ovechkin’s absence, but since his last game on Nov. 18, Washington has been among the league’s best, going 8-4-1, and are currently 21-8-2 with 44 points, second in the Metropolitan Division. Now it appears the 39-year-old Ovechkin will soon return to the Capitals lineup, and his addition could provide Washington with another major boost that might put them at the top of the Eastern Conference.

On Friday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss Ovechkin’s pending return and if he can pick up where he left off.

Tyler Yaremchuk: Surprise surprise, Ovechkin could potentially return earlier than expected. You reported on this the other night, tell us what you know.

Frank Seravalli: Ovechkin was a full participant in practice on Thursday for the first time since fracturing his fibula. He’s ruled out for Friday’s game, but there’s a decent enough chance and possibility that with the two games the Caps have next week, that he could be in action.

It would be awesome to get a little stocking stuffer, a nice last-minute Christmas gift if you’re the Capitals to get Ovechkin back in the lineup to resume that chase. The pace he was on, 15 goals in 18 games, was unbelievable. Everyone is waiting to see if he can pick up where he left off.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…