Alex Ovechkin Update: Capitals Captain Back Skating After Leaving Monday's Informal Practice Early

ARLINGTON, V.A. – Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is just fine ahead of training camp starting on Thursday.

Ovechkin was back on the ice and in high spirits on Tuesday as he rang in his 39th birthday with the team's final informal skate of the season.

The Russian winger had left Monday's informal skate just minutes after it started after appearing to pull back and wince during the opening drill of the session. He went straight to the locker room and did not return.

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Ovechkin was the first player on the ice on Tuesday and immediately got to work shooting and passing. He didn't appear to be ailing in any way and was in high spirits.

Also on the ice were Nic Dowd, Brandon Duhaime, Sonny Milano, Mike Sgarbossa, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Taylor Raddysh and more.

Related: Capitals Release 2024 Training Camp Roster; Backstrom & Oshie Listed, Wiesblatt & Adeniye Earn Invites, More Takeaways

The 39-year-old sits at 853 goals and is 42 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal-scoring record.

Training camp officially opens Thursday with the team's first on-ice sessions. Physicals and off-ice testing take place on Wednesday.

Related: Capitals Bring Back Screamin’ Eagle Jerseys For 2024-25; Sweaters Will Be Worn Six Times During Upcoming Season

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