On February 4, Capital One Arena rejoiced when PA announcer Byron Hudtloff broke the good news of Craig Laughlin’s successful heart surgery. The fans inside the stadium erupted in cheers and marked it with a standing ovation while Alex Ovechkin and Co. joined in with stick taps on the ice. Yet they knew it would take a while before Locker returned to the booth. The question was: How long would it take?

Finally, after nearly two months, Craig Laughlin of the beloved ‘Joe B. & Locker’ duo has dropped a massive update. “It’s been seven long weeks since my operation. I feel fantastic,” the 67-year-old announcer said while seemingly out for a walk. Laughlin’s iconic voice sounded better than ever as he set the stage for the optimistic update while Alex Ovechkin inches closer to Gretzky’s record.

“Lots of working out, lots of heart rehab, and that means my return is right around the corner,” said Craig Laughlin. The veteran play-by-play announcer didn’t just stop at that. This time there were no vague timelines as the Laughlin dropped the exact date. “I can’t wait to get back in the boot Sunday against the Buffalo Sabers. I feel I’m ready,” said Laughlin. The timing couldn’t be better.

Alex Ovechkin was still 16 goals shy of equalling Wayne Gretzky’s 894-goal NHL record when news of Laughlin’s successful surgery was announced. Today he stands far closer with just 6 goals left before the Gr8 catches up to The Great One. “I’m energized, and I’m ready to get back in my seat next to Joe B. and all my great teammates at Monumental Sports,” said the veteran announcer. It’s almost poetic.

That’s because one of the reasons that motivated Laughlin’s recovery was his desire to be present in the booth when Ovechkin surpasses the NHL legend’s record. “I hope to be back by then, Joe,” the 67-year-old said in January while announcing he would need heart surgery. “I’m going to battle my butt off to return as soon as I can,” the announcer added, and that’s exactly what he has done. However, the iconic Capitals announcer couldn’t have done it without support.

Alex Ovechkin wasn’t the only reason Craig Laughlin couldn’t wait to return

The beloved commentator also wanted to make a rapid comeback, simply because he loves his job. A huge part of that enjoyment comes from the endless love and support Washington Capitals fans have showered on Laughlin. The veteran hockey announcer is well aware of just how much the fans love Joe B. and Lockers’ signature play-by-plays.

So besides showing enthusiasm to witness Alex Ovechkin create history, Laughlin has never passed up an opportunity to thank the fans. “This kind of support has really encouraged and inspired me,” the announcer said about the NHL team’s community even before he went under the knife. Even his daughter acknowledges the outpouring of love from Caps Nation.

Courtney Laughlin confessed that the countless texts, emails, calls, and more as her father underwent LTIR (Lost Time Incident Rate) and UBI (ultraviolet blood irradiation) treatments felt “overwhelming, but in a good way.” “It brings tears to my eyes to see and feel how much love Caps Nation has for not only my dad but for our entire family,” she added.

So it didn’t come as a surprise when Craig Laughing thanked the fans in his latest update. In fact, Laughlin put the fans ahead of even the Washington Capitals organization and Monumental Sports. So are you excited to see the iconic announcer make the call when Alex Ovechkin breaks the NHL all-time goals record? Tell us in the comments.