ARLINGTON, Va. — As Alex Ovechkin approaches his 40th birthday, his dominance as a central figure on the ice remains unwavering. His performances in the initial rounds of the NHL playoffs continue to astound, but for those acquainted with his prowess, this resilience is simply characteristic of Ovechkin.
“He’s one of a kind,” teammate Tom Wilson expressed. “He’s a machine. He’s built different.” Ovechkin’s relentless energy has propelled the Washington Capitals to the second playoff round, a milestone not achieved since 2018 when he led them to a Stanley Cup victory. Now facing the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin’s tenacity is a crucial asset, especially in a sport where physicality reigns supreme.
Ovechkin’s recent accomplishments include breaking Wayne Gretzky’s historic career goals record a month before the playoffs. His ageless contribution to the Capitals, marked by four goals and 19 hits in the first round, underscores his integral role in the team’s pursuit of glory. Wilson, a teammate since 2013, lauds Ovechkin as the Capitals’ driving force, whether he’s igniting momentum in a game or setting the pace from the first face-off.
In their series opener against Montreal, he set the tone with a hard-hitting play on Mike Matheson just 20 seconds into the game. Ovechkin’s energy and scoring ability were pivotal in their Game 5 victory, illustrating his consistent influence. Spencer Carbery, favored for the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year, praised Ovechkin’s contributions, noting his ability to shift gears after a challenging previous season.
Last season’s early exit against the New York Rangers, where Ovechkin failed to score, served as a backdrop for his current resurgence. Despite the pressure, Ovechkin dismisses the need for personal redemption, focusing on each game independently. “What happened in the past and what happened in the regular season is over,” he stated, underscoring his forward-looking mindset.
Chasing Gretzky’s record seemed an insurmountable feat, yet Ovechkin’s continued pursuit reshaped his focus towards a second championship. Breaking the record was both a significant and personal milestone, yet shifting his attention to the team’s success in the playoffs showcases his dedication beyond personal accolades.
According to Carbery, Ovechkin’s ability to evolve and refocus, particularly at his age, is a testament to his exceptional caliber. His unwavering performance during the most demanding time of the season reflects his unique place in NHL history.
Dylan Strome, leading the Capitals in points during the first round, attributes Ovechkin’s success to his consistent methods and added aggression. “He kind of leads the way for our team in setting the tone and getting the first goal usually, so he kind of brings our team into it and we just follow behind,” Strome acknowledged, highlighting their effective synergy on the ice.
Newcomer Anthony Beauvillier, who joined the team at the trade deadline, has quickly understood the impact of Ovechkin’s influential leadership and formidable presence during critical moments. “He wants to show the way, and everyone jumps on the boat with him,” Beauvillier remarked. This collective spirit reflects the unified drive within the Capitals, inspired by Ovechkin’s unwavering commitment and passion.