Mike Brehm

It didn't matter. Not only did he return to the game, he scored two goals, including the game-winner, as the Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-2.

mike brehm, usa today Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is continuing to skate on his own as he rehabs from a fractured left fibula.

mike brehm, usa today The Colorado Avalanche made their second goaltending trade in less than two weeks, shipping out No. 1 netminder Alexandar Georgiev to the San Jose Sharks for Mackenzie Blackwood.

There also have been three coaching changes, plus extensions signed by Igor Shesterkin, Jake Oettinger, Alexis Lafreniere, Linus Ullmark and others.

The NHL season is more than two months old, and there have been 12 trades, including forward Kaapo Kakko being moved on Wednesday.

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is "getting real close" to returning from the fractured left fibula that has kept him out of the lineup since mid-November.

Ovechkin, who's chasing Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goal record, was wearing a non-contact jersey again at Thursday's Capitals practice as he ramps

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin was cleared for contact, but he won't return from his fractured left fibula until after the holiday break.

Matt Rempe, who had just been recalled by the New York Rangers, was ejected Friday for a hit on the Dallas Stars' Miro Heiskanen.

New York Rangers second-year player Matt Rempe was hit with his second significant suspension for elbowing the Dallas Stars' Miro Heiskanen.