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 Great Eight wouldn’t stay stationary for long. Alex Ovechkin gingerly skated around the rink before the Washington Capitals practice on Monday, just two weeks after fracturing his left fibula.

Ovechkin wore a tracksuit and a helmet with stick in hand but no hockey gear during his light workout, which coach Spencer Carbery said he believed was the 39-year-old longtime captain’s first time back on the ice since the injury.