"What drugs is he on?" "Russian healing power": NHL fans left amazed by Alex Ovechkin’s burst of speed just 17 days after fracturing leg

NHL fans were amazed to see Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin skating at full speed just 17 days after fracturing his leg. The 39-year-old winger is recovering from a fibula injury and has been skating on his own in a non-contact jersey. This is a positive sign in his recovery, but he is still expected to be out until the second half of December. Ovechkin will continue individual skating sessions until he is cleared to join full team practices.

Bleacher Report shared a video showing Ovechkin skating without any assistance.

"Alex Ovechkin broke his leg 17 days ago. Alex Ovechkin today: (via @Capitals )"

Fans quickly reacted.

"What drugs is he on?" one fan said.

"That Russian healing power."

"Russian machine no break, only oil" a fan responded.

"Dude is a machine. Unreal. I still think he gets the record. This Avs fan is rooting for ya Ovi!" one fan said.

"It was a fibula fracture . I would have given him 3-4 weeks to return to play." one fan explained.

"He broke his fibula. That’s not a weight bearing bone. He probably didn’t even need crutches after a few days. It’s a pain tolerance thing now. Obviously won’t play until it’s healed." another detailed.

"He saw Matthews score three in two games and said to himself “I better get my ass out there soon or he’s gonna pass my goal total!”" one fan joked.

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Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's goal record

Alex Ovechkin has been outstanding this season, leading the NHL with 15 goals in 18 games before his injury. He fractured his left fibula on Nov. 18, during a collision in a game against the Utah Hockey Club. Ovechkin was expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Before the injury, he had 868 career goals, 27 away from Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

The Capitals have gone 4-2-1 without him. Ovechkin, who has missed only 59 games in his career, is determined to return and continue his pursuit of Gretzky's record. The Capitals are 17-6-2 this season. They are first in the Metropolitan Division with 36 points tied with New Jersey Devils.