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.

Alex Ovechkin was spotted skating ahead of Washington Capitals practice on Monday as he works his way back from a fractured left fibula.

The Capitals announced Nov. 21 that Ovechkin would miss 4-6 weeks after he was injured in a leg-on-leg collision with Utah forward Jack McBain 5:30 into the third period of their 6-2 victory. He skated before practice Monday wearing a track suit and helmet while Capitals athletic trainer Jason Serbus watched from the bench.