Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin has recently embarked on a remarkable goal-scoring streak, marking his longest in almost three years. Following a family trip to Dubai during the Washington Capitals’ bye week and the All-Star break, Ovechkin has achieved goals in all four subsequent games. This has extended his streak to five games, revitalizing the possibility of him surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s career record, which had long seemed unattainable.
Ovechkin is presently at 13 goals this season, leaving him 60 goals behind Gretzky’s record. Vancouver defenseman Ian Cole has expressed his admiration, labeling Ovechkin as the “gold standard for goal scoring in NHL history.” Ovechkin’s resurgence is both reassuring and remarkable.
At 38 years old, Ovechkin is exhibiting the same level of performance as his younger self. Last spring, he became the first player in NHL history to achieve 40 goals in a season 13 times. Coach Spencer Carbery has acknowledged Ovechkin’s high level of play, noting that he seems to be skating even more and displaying renewed energy in his game.
Before Ovechkin’s streak, the Capitals were encountering difficulties in scoring. However, since the commencement of his goal streak, the team has been averaging 3.6 goals per game, a significant increase from their previous average of 2.3 goals per game.
Ovechkin’s teammate, T.J. Oshie, has highlighted that Ovechkin’s current success is not just a stroke of good fortune, but is a result of his well-rounded playing style. Oshie has noted that Ovechkin is undertaking many small actions that are assisting the team offensively and defensively.
Despite Ovechkin’s scoring abilities, the Washington Capitals are currently facing challenges. They have lost six of their last seven games and could soon become sellers ahead of the March 8 trade deadline. However, Ovechkin’s resurgence has provided them with hope for a strong playoff push.
The return of vintage Ovechkin has indeed given the Washington Capitals a reason to be optimistic. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper has expressed his delight, stating that Ovechkin’s streak has been a tremendous help to the team.
Coach Carbery believes that Ovechkin’s mental break during the All-Star break may have played a significant role in his resurgence. He has noted that Ovechkin’s ability to take time away from hockey and return refreshed is contributing to his impressive stretch run.
In conclusion, Alex Ovechkin’s impressive goal-scoring streak and resurgence have sparked discussions about the Gretzky record once again. His renewed energy and on-ice contributions have breathed new life into the Washington Capitals’ season, offering hope for the team’s success in the remaining games.
(Source: AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl)