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.

The 38-year-old Ovechkin is expected to make his return before the New Year and is currently sitting at 868 goals, just 26 shy of tying the record. Assuming he returns on Dec. 28, Ovechkin would have 50 games left this season to close the gap.

Washington has an Eastern Conference-leading 23 wins and owns the highest point percentage in the NHL at .727.