The Washington Capitals got a hot start from Alex Ovechkin thanks to an offseason focused on training and conditioning.

Alex Ovechkin skated by himself before Washington Capitals practice on Monday as he works to return from a broken leg. Ovechkin wore a tracksuit and a helmet with stick in hand but no hockey gear during his light workout,

Ovechkin’s absence has paused his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. With 15 goals in 18 games this season, Ovechkin (868 career goals) is just 27 shy of surpassing Gretzky’s 894-goal mark.