SEARCH


Former NHL GM Reveals the Truth Behind Alex Ovechkin's Rapid Decline

PUBLICATION
Wade Messier
October 23, 2023  (12:52)
SHARE THIS STORY

Alex Ovechkin is widely considered to be the best pure goalscorer in NHL history, and his race to catch Wayne Gretzky's record has been covered extensively. Despite his utter domination over the past decade-plus, Ovechkin isn't getting any younger, and his pace is starting to decline.

How's Ovechkin Doing?

Throughout Washington's first four games this season, Alex Ovechkin has failed to register a single goal and was also held shotless during consecutive games for the first time in his career.

For someone who is less than 100 goals away from the all-time goal-scoring record, this is quite concerning. Ovechkin is in his late 30s by now, and if he cannot produce at a consistently high rate anymore, his chances of breaking the record may be gone.

While we're sure Ovi would like to have all of the answers, a former General Manager seems to think he knows the issue with the Great 8.

Button Adds His Thoughts

Craig Button, a former GM turned analyst for TSN, shared his thoughts on the Russian superstar following Washington's game against Montreal.

«There were a couple of positive signs in this game versus Montreal, but overall this year, what I've seen from Alexander Ovechkin — he just, to me, hasn't had the same level of physical or mental engagement in the game,»

«He doesn't look like that player that's driving play, that wants the puck. When you watch him at his best, he's skating, he's driving plays, using his body to deliver body checks, he's in that spot, ready with his stick. I haven't seen that from him this year.» - Craig Button

If Ovechkin is indeed checked out mentally, this may be the end for one of the greatest hockey players of all time. This is truly a shame, as Wayne Gretzky himself said he was looking forward to following Ovechkin around as he approached the all-time goal record.

As Seen on Washington Hockey Now - Canadian Media Ponders Alex Ovechkin's Decline

POLL
OCTOBRE 23   |   433 ANSWERS
Former NHL GM Reveals the Truth Behind Alex Ovechkin's Rapid Decline

Is Ovechkin the greatest pure goalscorer of all time?

Yes17440.2 %
No25959.8 %
LIST OF POLLS

TRENDING NOW
2025-2026
NHL STANDINGS
GPWLOLPTS
Sabres8250239109
Lightning8250266106
Canadiens82482410106
Bruins82452710100
Senators8244271199
Red Wings8241311092
Panthers824038484
Maple Leafs8232361478
GPWLOLPTS
Hurricanes8253227113
Penguins8241251698
Flyers8243271298
Capitals824330995
Blue Jackets8240301292
Islanders824334591
Devils824237387
Rangers823439977
GPWLOLPTS
Avalanche82551611121
Stars82502012112
Wild82462412104
Mammoth824333692
Blues8237331286
Predators8238341086
Jets8235351282
Blackhawks8229391472
GPWLOLPTS
Golden Knights8239261795
Oilers8241301193
Ducks824333692
Kings8235272090
Sharks823935886
Kraken8234371179
Flames823439977
Canucks822549858
COMPLETE STANDINGS