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.
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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 DeclineADS
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