Alex Ovechkin took home another Rocket Richard Trophy but oddly enough, his campaign was somewhat underwhelming compared to others.
‘Ovy’ has grown accustomed to hitting the 50-goal, reaching it seven times over the course of 12 ½ seasons (2012-13 lockout included just 48 games) and managed to collect 65 in 2008. The Russian nearly hit the half-century mark for an eighth time but his two-goal effort in the final game of the regular season left him just short at 49. When asked about missing it by a single marker, Ovechkin shared a very blunt response.
One more goal would have put Ovechkin in elite company. Per Whyno, Ovechkin would have joined Hall of Famers Johnny Bucyk, Bobby Hull, Phil Esposito and the legendary Jaromir Jagr as the only players to hit the 50-goal mark at 32 years or older.
Ovechkin has made it clear that he’s more concerned about winning at this stage of his career. Despite nine postseason appearances, the Moscow native has yet to reach a Conference Final. In 97 playoff games, he has 46 goals and 44 assists.
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The Capitals will face the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round and look to finally make a deep postseason push into June. Time will tell if Ovechkin can carry his hot hand into the playoffs and add to his already impressive postseason goal total.
(H/T Stephen Whyno)
