Watch: Alex Ovechkin back on red-hot pace with second goal since returning from injury

The Washington Capitals had an uncharacteristically bad first period against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday, heading to the locker room down 4-1 after 20 minutes.

However, one bright spot did emerge, with captain Alex Ovechkin scoring his second goal in as many games since returning from a serious injury.

Another goal closer for the Gr8! pic.twitter.com/2oAIHfdLDX The 39-year-old cut Detroit's lead in half early in the first period with his 17th tally of the season and 870th of his career.

He now trails Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for the all-time lead by just 25 goals.

Ovechkin suffered a fractured fibula on Nov.

18 and was forced to miss 40 days and 16 games.

He returned Saturday in a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he scored an empty-netter to close out the game.

"The Great Eight," as he's affectionately called, appears to be picking up right where he left off before he was injured.

He's now scored seven goals in his last four games , putting himself back on a blazing pace to try to pass Gretzky before the season's end..

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