Ovechkin Returns to the Ice in D.C.

The captain of the Washington Capitals, Alexander Ovechkin, made his return to the ice in D.C. today for the Capitals’ informal skate, according to J.J. Regan of NBC Sports Washington. Ovechkin has been in his home country for the offseason, but is now preparing himself for the Caps’ camp and his 18th season with the team.

It’s a #Gr8 day! pic.twitter.com/GiX4RDYEEi

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 9, 2022

With last season ending short with a first round exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the hands of the Flordia Panthers in 6 games, there is no doubt that Ovi and the rest of the squad will be looking to improve this year.

Including the playoffs Ovechkin, 36 years old, tallied 50 goals, exhibiting zero signs of slowing down and a growing hunger for that top spot on the all-time goals list. He is currently sitting 3rd on that list with 780 goals. Ovi will undoubtedly be looking to pass Gordie Howe, who lit the lamp 801 times during his career, this season and to chip away at the gap between himself and The Great One.

Ovechkin signed a 5-year extension during the summer of 2021, meaning he is under contract through the 2025-26 season. So assuming he stays healthy and continues to wreak havoc on opposing team’s netminders, it is hard to say that the greatest goal scorer of this generation won’t pass Gretzky on the all-time goals list when it is all said an done.