ARLINGTON, Va. — Alex Ovechkin has been a reliable presence on the ice throughout his nearly two-decade career with the Washington Capitals, contributing to his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record. Over the years, the Capitals have struggled without him, recording only 26 wins in 59 games during his first 19 seasons. However, since the 39-year-old captain suffered a broken left fibula, the team has surprisingly gained momentum, winning six out of nine games. This shift showcases a roster not only designed for Ovechkin’s success but also prepared for life after his departure.
“Ovi is a legend and a special player who will always be among the team’s top goal scorers,” said Lars Eller, a center for the team who recently returned from a trade with Pittsburgh. “However, we are not solely reliant on a few players to secure wins. We boast strong lines, solid defensive pairs, and talented goalies. The team’s strength lies in our depth.”
The Capitals have bolstered their roster with the acquisitions of key players, including centers Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Eller himself, alongside wingers Andrew Mangiapane and Brandon Duhaime, and defensemen Jakob Chychrun and Rasmus Sandin, among others. This infusion of talent has proven essential in maintaining their status as playoff contenders.
Longtime general manager Brian MacLellan recently transitioned to a presidential role, passing day-to-day operations onto Chris Patrick. His efforts to keep the Capitals competitive during Ovechkin’s final contract year have been praised by veteran defenseman John Carlson, who noted that the new talent has intensified the team’s motivation.
When Ovechkin was injured on November 18, the Capitals were leading the Eastern Conference, and they have managed to maintain that position even after more than three weeks without him. During this period, 14 players have found the back of the net, contributing to a total of six victories and one overtime loss.
“We have a deep roster,” remarked right winger Tom Wilson, who leads the team in scoring with nine points (five goals, four assists) during Ovechkin’s absence. Wilson is also recovering from a minor injury to his sinus area and will continue to play with protective gear. “Everyone has stepped up at different times. It’s truly a collective effort, and players are putting in the hard work for one another.”
Carlson, alongside Ovechkin, Wilson, and returning teammate Eller, is one of the few remaining players from the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup-winning roster. He believes the situation presents younger players the opportunity to shine. “While Ovechkin’s absence creates a noticeable void, it also provides chances for those who might not usually have such opportunities,” Carlson stated. “When someone is sidelined, the team tends to rally together, stepping into larger roles and responsibilities. Our roster’s depth has become a pivotal aspect of our success this year, with contributions coming from across the board.”
Ovechkin, who led the league with 15 goals at the time of his injury, helped the Capitals rank first in scoring with an impressive average of 4.33 goals per game. Even now, they continue to impress with a scoring average of 4.04 goals per game, aided by a marked improvement in production from the defensemen compared to last season.
Chychrun, who has brought valuable offensive contributions from the blue line with eight points in nine games, asserts that the team is adhering to a solid strategy. “We are executing our plan effectively and doing what’s needed on the ice,” he said, highlighting the caliber of the defensemen who contribute in diverse situations.
Adding another layer of stability is second-year coach Spencer Carbery, who emphasizes the foundational structure of the team while recognizing the contributions of veteran leaders like Carlson, Strome, Wilson, and Nic Dowd. “They don’t vocalize the need to do more; instead, they understand their individual responsibility to elevate their performance,” Carbery explained, underscoring the importance of holistic contributions that extend beyond gameplay.
Ovechkin was seen practicing recently, receiving assists from longtime teammate Nicklas Backstrom, who had stepped away for over a year due to hip issues. Carlson humorously noted, “I think Ovi wanted a more skilled partner to pass to during practice.”
The day for Ovechkin’s return to full training and game involvement is drawing near. While the Capitals have thrived in his absence, they eagerly await his comeback, which will undoubtedly strengthen their roster even further. As Eller succinctly put it, “We are certainly a better team when he’s back in the lineup.”
