The Toronto Maple Leafs welcomed back goaltender Anthony Stolarz to practice, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from knee surgery. Stolarz, who has been sidelined since December 12, is expected to return to the lineup soon. His absence has greatly affected the team’s performance, with their save percentage plummeting from 0.912 to 0.883 in his absence. Coach Craig Berube noted that Stolarz is ahead of schedule in his recovery process, with a return likely coinciding with the upcoming home game against the Minnesota Wild.

Joseph Woll has stepped up in Stolarz's absence, but his performance has been average, prompting the team's emphasis on goaltending depth. Additionally, Matt Murray returning to practice after a long rehabilitation adds to the team’s options in goal. Murray expressed enthusiasm about his comeback, despite recognizing the challenges of transitioning back to the NHL from the AHL. The Leafs face the Ottawa Senators next, a team that recently shut them out, underscoring the need to approach the game with the right mindset and intensity.

In a thrilling return to the ice, Alex Ovechkin scored an empty-net goal, leading the Washington Capitals to a decisive 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. With this goal, Ovechkin notched his 869th career goal, bringing him closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 goals. This season has seen Ovechkin score 16 goals in just 19 games, showcasing his remarkable talent even after a significant injury.

Ovechkin's return was particularly poignant, as he had been sidelined since November 18 due to a fractured fibula sustained during a collision with Jack McBain. The 39-year-old veteran expressed mixed emotions about his comeback, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to the game's pace after missing time. Despite the hurdles, he remained optimistic and focused on contributing to his team's success.

During Ovechkin's absence, the Capitals managed a respectable 10-5-1 record, but Coach Spencer Carbery anticipates a substantial boost to the team's morale and performance with Ovechkin back in the lineup. The Capitals are currently vying for a top position in the Eastern Conference, and Ovechkin's leadership is seen as crucial in their playoff aspirations. In addition to Ovechkin's goal, the Capitals received contributions from Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun, Nic Dowd, and Tom Wilson, while the Maple Leafs saw goals from John Tavares and Bobby McMann.

As the Capitals prepare for their next matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, Ovechkin's presence is expected to be a game-changer, both on the ice and in the locker room.

In a thrilling matchup, the Washington Capitals defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2, with Alex Ovechkin making a triumphant return after a lengthy injury absence. Ovechkin, who had been sidelined due to a fractured left fibula, scored an empty-net goal, marking his 869th career goal and bringing him closer to Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals. The Capitals showcased their depth with contributions from Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun, Nic Dowd, and Tom Wilson, while John Tavares and Bobby McMann found the net for Toronto.

The game began with Tavares scoring first for the Maple Leafs, deflecting a shot past Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson. However, Mangiapane quickly leveled the score for Washington. Chychrun then put the Capitals ahead before McMann equalized for the Leafs. Dowd's goal gave the Capitals a crucial lead, followed by Wilson's power-play goal for added security. Thompson was instrumental in the victory, making 35 saves, including several key stops against Toronto's offensive threats.

Despite the loss, Tavares extended his point streak to seven games, while Mitch Marner also maintained his impressive run. The Maple Leafs have struggled without star player Auston Matthews, losing three of their last four games and allowing a concerning number of goals. As the teams prepare for their upcoming matches, the Capitals look to continue their strong performance, while the Maple Leafs aim to regroup against the New York Islanders.

In a thrilling matchup, the Washington Capitals emerged victorious against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a score of 5-2, marking a successful return for captain Alex Ovechkin. This game took place on Saturday night, where Ovechkin, who had been sidelined due to a fractured left fibula since November 18, made his presence felt by scoring an empty-net goal, bringing his career total to 869 goals.

The Capitals had a well-rounded offensive performance with contributions from Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun, Nic Dowd, and Tom Wilson. In contrast, the Maple Leafs managed to find the net only twice, with goals from John Tavares and Bobby McMann. Toronto's struggles were compounded by the absence of star player Auston Matthews, who is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Logan Thompson was instrumental in Washington's victory, stopping 35 shots and showcasing remarkable reflexes, particularly when he thwarted a sure goal from William Nylander. The Capitals demonstrated resilience throughout Ovechkin's injury, maintaining a commendable 10-5-1 record in his absence. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have now lost three out of their last four games, allowing a concerning total of 21 goals during this stretch.

Looking ahead, the Capitals are set to face the Detroit Red Wings, while the Maple Leafs will host the New York Islanders in their next outing.