ARLINGTON, Va. — After the second game of the Washington Capitals’ season, Alex Ovechkin took the initiative to review game footage with his linemates, Dylan Strome and Aliaksei Protas. This was the first occasion these three had played together, and Ovechkin identified that they needed to improve their predictability, act with less hesitation, and connect for passes more swiftly.
This strategic approach has paid off, evidenced by the strong performance of both the Capitals and their aging captain, who is now nearing one of hockey’s most significant records. Ovechkin has tallied five goals in his last four outings, putting him on track to potentially surpass Wayne Gretzky for the NHL’s all-time goals record by season’s end. The team has also secured victories in eight out of their first eleven contests.
“We’re connecting, playing for each other, and that’s the most important thing,” Ovechkin expressed. “It doesn’t matter if you’re scoring or assisting; consistency in our efforts is key.”
Throughout his career, Ovechkin has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to find the back of the net, ranking second only to Gretzky in NHL history with 860 goals—35 goals away from the breathtaking milestone. Protas praised playing alongside Ovechkin, highlighting the captain’s excitement and determination each time he steps on the ice. “You can feel the energy he brings, and it’s a tremendous experience to support him as he chases this record,” Protas noted.
Ovechkin’s proactive approach to game analysis has been recognized by coach Spencer Carbery as a hallmark of true leadership. Protas remarked on the benefit of receiving guidance from a seasoned player like Ovechkin, understanding the unique insights he provides. Strome emphasized the advantage of Ovechkin’s veteran experience, stating, “When he shares his offensive insights, it’s clear we need to listen. It’s a positive combination, and we want to keep building on it.”
Ovechkin was recently recognized as the NHL’s first star of the week. Remarkably, he didn’t score his seventh goal last season until late December, which makes this season’s offensive output stand out. When asked about the difference this year, he playfully attributed it to Strome, saying, “Stromer finds me and gives me the puck.”
Strome seems to resonate with this idea, maintaining that his primary goal while playing with Ovechkin is straightforward: “Just get him the puck.” He observed that Ovechkin’s prowess extends beyond his scoring, as he’s also contributing significantly with assists. Ovechkin, who has recorded seven assists already, recently joined the elite ranks of players who have achieved both 700 goals and 700 assists, sharing this milestone with legends such as Gretzky and Gordie Howe.
Besides Ovechkin, other players have also stepped up offensively, including Connor McMichael, who is matching Ovechkin’s goal count, and Tom Wilson, who has six goals so far this season. The Capitals are showcasing a revitalized scoring ability, averaging 4.18 goals per game, which ranks them third in the NHL, a notable improvement from their average of 2.63 last season.
“I feel like we’re a much better offensive team this year,” Carbery remarked, citing improved puck possession that allows for greater control over the game. Following a postseason exit last season, where they were swept by the New York Rangers, the Capitals made adjustments to enhance their offensive capabilities. Despite the positive start, the players understand the importance of consistency and are aware that challenges lie ahead.
“When winning, it’s always uplifting, but there will be ups and downs in any season,” Ovechkin stated. “We need to stay unified and see how we will react when times get tough because those moments are inevitable.”
In other news, defenseman Matt Roy, who sustained an injury during the season opener, is expected to return against Nashville. Coach Carbery also mentioned that defenseman Jakob Chychrun is healing from an upper-body injury but is not yet ready to participate in practice.