Although Ovechkin was cleared to resume full contact in practice Friday, Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said that the 39-year-old left wing won’t return from a fractured left fibula until after the NHL’s holiday break, which runs from Dec. 24-26.

Washington Capitals' captain Alex Ovechkin took the next step in his recovery from a fractured leg when he shed the non-contact practice jersey he wore the past week for a regular practice uniform. Joining his teammates and taking physical contact is one of the last checkpoints to get by before the Capitals star can return to game action.