Alexander Ovechkin is healing fast from his broken left fibula, which he hurt on November 18th. Recently, he was spotted skating before the team’s practice session, and this time, Nicklas Backstrom was with him. Backstrom has been dealing with a long-term hip issue but still found time to pass pucks to Ovechkin in his favorite spot—the left faceoff circle.
Backstrom has always been the main guy assisting Ovechkin, helping out on 279 of his 868 career goals. They started playing together back in 2007 and were like peanut butter and jelly on the ice until Backstrom had hip surgery in 2022. It’s doubtful Backstrom will play for Washington again since his contract ends after this season, and he’s not yet doing official ice activities. Meanwhile, Ovechkin seems set to return by early January. Team owner Ted Leonsis told NHL.com that “He’s probably still got two or three weeks,” adding that there’s no need for a rush.
When “The Great Eight” gets back on the rink, he’ll continue chasing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record (894). Before getting injured, he was having one of his best seasons ever—leading the league with 15 goals and just 26 behind Gretzky. Even if catching “The Great One” this year is tough, fans know he’s likely to break it next season since he has another year under contract.
Ovechkin’s Record Quest:
With each game played after recovery, everyone will watch closely as Ovechkin inches closer to hockey history. Fans are excited about what’s coming next because they believe it’s only a matter of time before records fall at his feet.
Do you think he’ll make it?
