Alex Ovechkin could return to the Washington Capitals lineup when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game back from the NHL’s Christmas break.

Alex Ovechkin skated by himself before Washington Capitals practice as he works to return from a broken leg.

Alex Ovechkin is off to a hot start, and so are the Washington Capitals.

Alex Ovechkin has just one shot on goal through two games of the Washington Capitals’ first-round playoff series against the New York Rangers, which they trail 2-0.

Defenses around the NHL playoffs have been depleted by existing and new injuries, from Tampa Bay’s Mikhail Sergachev and Colorado’s Samuel Girard being out long term to Carolina’s Brett Pesce going down Monday night and Washington being down to minor leaguers to fill its many voids.

The playoff races across the NHL are coming down to the final week of the regular season.

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson is on the verge of reaching the 1,000 NHL games milestone, and pop singer Vanessa Carlton is part of the celebration.

Alex Ovechkin has scored a goal in five consecutive games to make it his longest streak in nearly three years.

Some early trends are showing in the NHL.