All signs point to Alex Ovechkin's return against Maple Leafs

Ovechkin practiced with the top line in his usual role Friday and took reps with the first power-play unit.

If he can, indeed, return to action Saturday, he'll resume his chase of Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record (894).

Ovechkin was forced to pause his record chase with a then-league-leading 15 goals and a career tally of 868, just 27 from passing Gretzky.

At the time, the Russian was on one of the hottest streaks of his career but won't be expected to pick up right where he left off.

However, it's still entirely possible he reaches Gretzky by the end of the season with still another year to do so or extend the record before his contract expires in Washington.

Ovechkin would be returning to a team sitting second in the Metropolitan Division having lost three of its last five contests. His arrival would be a welcome sight for teammates looking to recapture the momentum felt at the start of the year.

"Nice boost back to the lineup," linemate Dylan Strome told reporters Friday. "Obviously, our 5-on-5 scoring has not been what it was when he was in the lineup. But I still feel like we played pretty good hockey and managed to keep our record at a good number."

Washington has gone 10-5-1 since Ovechkin went down, with Saturday's matchup being a key opportunity to prove the Capitals are still playoff contenders as they near the halfway point in the season.