Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals' playoff hopes were in trouble earlier this season, as the Capitals started the season with a 2-8-1 record. Ovechkin had just seven points in 11 games.
Things have changed.
Ovechkin has been one of the best players in the NHL since he burst into the league with 52 goals and 106 points in his rookie season back in 2005-06.
Despite missing the playoffs in his first two seasons, the Capitals have been largely successful since "Ovi" has been in the NHL, winning four straight Southeast Division championships from 2007-08 to 2010-11 and making the playoffs for the past five years.
But with Ovechkin's offensive struggles over the past two seasons, the Capitals started struggling with their team identity.
Coming into this season, Ovechkin's effectiveness had slipped over the past two years. Teams finally figured out how to stop the Russian superstar from busting into the zone and unleashing his patented wrist shot from the top of the circle.
This season, Ovechkin has seen his effectiveness return due to his ability (and willingness) to diver ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Isaac Smith
Alex Ovechkin’s Resurgence: What It Means for Washington Capitals’ Playoff Hopes
April 13th, 2013 by Isaac Smith Leave a reply »
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