Alex Ovechkin back in Capitals' lineup after missing 5 weeks - ESPN

TORONTO — Alex Ovechkin will continue his pursuit of the NHL's all-time scoring record when he returns to the Washington Capitals lineup Saturday against the Maple Leafs.

The Capitals' winger has been sidelined since breaking his fibula on Nov. 18 in a collision with Utah Hockey Club forward Jack McBain. Ovechkin was leading the NHL with 15 goals in 18 games at the time — for 868 total goals in his career — and paused his hot pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time scoring mark of 894.

That quest is back on now in a big way. But Ovechkin's return means more than just that to Washington.

«The obvious thing [Ovechkin brings] is the goal scoring,» said Washington coach Spencer Carbery. «But I even just think the threat of him being able to score, I think it lifts up our entire group. Him being in the lineup, his presence, his infectious personality, demeanor, and him being on the ice...everybody in the building, along with our 19 other players, believe that he can score and that lifts our entire group up.»

Ovechkin said it was a «hard month» sitting on the sidelines with most of his efforts focused on working out in the gym. Getting back on Gretzky's heels wasn't at the forefront of his mind until he got the green light to back in.

«At that point, you don't think about all the stuff happening around [the chase],» he said. «You just focus on your recovery, your injury, and you [try] to get better coming back.»

Many of Ovechkin's teammates have been invested for years in his title run too, not only because of what it means for Ovechkin individually but their entire group.

«When you're in the moment, you're on the edge of your seat when he scores,» said Carbery. «But I honestly don't think the guys pay that much attention to [the