The Capitals are the top team in the East. ARLINGTON, V.A. — 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 right direction. Ovechkin skated again on his own ahead of practice, donning a blue non-contact jersey and full gear while working without a puck. Per head coach Spencer Carbery, nothing's changed with regard to Ovechkin's 4-6 week timeline [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-continues-recovery-broken-leg], but it's good to see him out on the ice. "Still status quo," he said of Ovechkin's recovery. "Just another positive step; (he) continues to get reps on the ice, and we're continuing to progress." Ovechkin fractured his left fibula back on Nov. 18 against Utah Hockey Club [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/utah-hockey-club] after colliding with Jack McBain [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-tom-wilson-unwritten-code-hockey-jack-mcbain]. It's been exactly three weeks since the injury, and he started skating again one week ago. For Ovechkin, the next steps will see him starting to get some work in with the puck and get some more reps in before joining the group for practice and, ultimately, getting back in the swing of contact. "I think you'll see him closer to practice time before practice, and then I'm sure it'll probably go to like, he'll take part in a couple drills, maybe not the competitive ones or where there's resistance there," Carbery said. "So those will be nice. Ovechkin's current timeline has him on pace to return later in the month or early in the new year. Getting the 39-year-old back will be key for Washington, who sits atop the league with 40 points. He had a league-leading 15 goals before his injury and sits just 27 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.
