Alex Ovechkin returns, scores 869th goal in Capitals' win - ESPN

TORONTO — Alex Ovechkin scored an empty-net goal in his return to action, and the Washington Capitals upended the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 on Saturday night.

In posting his 869th career goal, Washington's captain is now within 25 of Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL mark of 894. It was his 16th goal in 19 games this season.

Ovechkin, who skated with the team often and was around the locker room throughout his recovery, played in his first game since he fractured his left fibula Nov. 18 against the Utah Hockey Club, a night in which he collided with forward Jack McBain.

«It was fun, it was tough,» Ovechkin said of his return in a postgame interview during SportsNet's «Hockey Night In Canada» broadcast. «Obviously, it was a different rhythm, different speed. But you know, I'll take it, and we won.»

The 39-year-old — who had never missed more than six games in his career with an ailment — was scheduled to be out four to six weeks following the injury. He resumed skating Dec. 2 and had made steady progress into the NHL's recent holiday break.

«It was a hard month,» Ovechkin said. «I tried to be in shape as much as I can.… But I'm pretty happy to bounce back and come back to the game.»

In chasing Gretzky — during a season that has seen the resurgent Capitals storm back into playoff contention, no less — Ovechkin has kept it all in perspective.

«Just take it game by game,» Ovechkin said, «shift by shift, and try to do my best.»

Washington went 10-5-1 without Ovechkin, but Washington coach Spencer Carbery is now anticipating a significant «boost» for the Capitals as they try to maintain their position atop the Eastern Conference standings.

«He's our captain; he's the greatest goal scorer of all time,» Carbery said before the game.