Alex Ovechkin will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a fractured left fibula, impacting his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record as he currently sits at 868 goals. The Capitals, led by head coach Spencer Carbery, will likely adjust their lines, with players like Connor McMichael and Dylan Strome stepping up in Ovi's absence. His recovery is critical, as he could return by December 20 or January 2, missing up to 18 games. The team has been performing well offensively and defensively, ranking high in goals scored and fewest allowed while excelling in special teams. Individual players, such as Rasmus Sandin, have contributed significantly, and goaltending has been strong with Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren. Nonetheless, there are areas for improvement, particularly in reducing shots allowed and managing high-danger scoring chances.

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Alex Ovechkin is sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks due to a fractured left fibula, a significant loss for the Capitals as he has only missed 59 games in his 20-year career, with injury-related absences being notably rare. Before the injury, he was enjoying an outstanding season, leading the NHL with 15 goals in 18 games and closing in on Wayne Gretzky's all-time scoring record. The injury occurred during a game in Utah, and while surgery isn’t needed, the timeline for his return remains uncertain. In his absence, head coach Spencer Carbery has emphasized maintaining team energy and focus. Players like Dylan Strome and Connor McMichael have stepped up, and the defense remains strong, led by John Carlson and Jakob Chychrun. In a recent match against the Colorado Avalanche, the Capitals lost 2-1, with Pierre-Luc Dubois scoring their only goal and goaltender Logan Thompson making 24 saves on 26 shots, showcasing the team's need to rally together during this challenging period.

Indeed
Still searching for a great candidate for your company? Don’t search, just match–with Indeed. Claim your SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR CREDIT now at Indeed.com/LOCKEDON. Terms and conditions apply. Need to hire? You need Indeed.

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Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Indeed
Still searching for a great candidate for your company? Don’t search, just match–with Indeed. Claim your SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR CREDIT now at Indeed.com/LOCKEDON. Terms and conditions apply. Need to hire? You need Indeed.

PrizePicks
Download the app or go to https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNHL to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)