Unfortunate update in Alex Ovechkin’s timetable for his return...

Everyone was hoping for a Christmas miracle. On Thursday, Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin looked good during practice, having his own head coach Spencer Carbery optimistic about a return before the holiday break.

On Friday, things got even more exciting when Ovi took the next step forward in his recovery, sporting a regular jersey for the optional morning skate.

However, coach Carbery announced that Ovechkin would not return before the Christmas break, meaning he will not be in the Capitals’ lineup for tonight’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Ovechkin has missed the last 12 games with a broken left fibula. He sustained the injury on November 18 after colliding with Utah Hockey Club’s Jack McBain.

At the time of his injury, Ovechkin was leading the league with 15 goals through 18 games. He is also chasing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record with a chance to beat it this season. He currently sits at 868 career goals and is 27 back on the record.

The injury certainly set back Ovechkin in his pursuit and fans are only hoping to see him return quickly.

The Capitals are quite busy in the next few days ahead of the holiday break, with the contest tonight against Carolina, and then a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday and a game vs. the Boston Bruins on Monday.

After the three mandatory off days, the Capitals are back in action on Saturday in Toronto against the Maple Leafs, and perhaps Ovechkin will make his return then.