Ovechkin's Gretzky Record Pursuit Paused: Capitals Star Out 4-6 Weeks with Fractured Fibula

Nov 21, 2024, 10:38 PM

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has been placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a fractured left fibula during Monday's game against the Utah Hockey Club. The 39-year-old star forward, who is chasing Wayne Gretzky's NHL all-time goals record, collided knee-to-knee with Utah's Jack McBain, leading to the injury. Ovechkin will not require surgery but will miss at least three games, marking one of the longest injury-related layoffs of his 20-year NHL career in which he has only missed 35 games due to injury. The Capitals have recalled Russian winger Ivan Miroshnichenko from the minors to fill the roster spot.