Alexander Kozhevnikov analyzes factors behind Ovechkin’s rough stretch
Two-time Olympic champion and world champion hockey player Alexander Kozhevnikov offered his perspective on why the Russian captain of the Washington Capitals, Alexander Ovechkin, has faced a downturn in performance. The veteran forward has long been a defining force for the Capitals, yet recent months have seen him struggle to find the back of the net and contribute consistently on the scoresheet. Kozhevnikov’s remarks, cited by vprognoze.ru, focus on changes within Washington and the impact on Ovechkin’s usual rhythm.
According to Kozhevnikov, adjustments in the Capitals’ style of play may have altered how the team operates around its star player. He notes that Ovechkin is working with different line configurations and is without some trusted teammates who typically provided reliable support. In particular, Kozhevnikov points to the absence of Backstrom, a player widely regarded as one of the world’s premier centers, who has been dealing with injuries and can no longer contribute at his peak. The absence of Kuznetsov from the lineup further complicates the dynamic, suggesting that internal shifts within the squad may be influencing Ovechkin’s production. Kozhevnikov stresses that from a distance it’s difficult to identify the exact reasons, and he believes that the team’s internal state is not fully transparent to outside observers.
The timing of these questions has coincided with a noticeable drought for Ovechkin. In a December game against the Chicago Blackhawks, he earned an assist but did not score, extending a goalless streak that had reached ten games. That stretch matched a personal nadir for the Russian star in the modern era of the league, prompting renewed discussion among fans and analysts about his form and future contributions for the Capitals.
Historical context matters in this discussion. Ovechkin has previously endured similar droughts, including a ten-game goalless stretch during the 2016-17 season, with shorter similar spells in the 2008-09 and 2010-11 campaigns. These episodes are contrasted with his long and storied career, which has featured multiple high-impact seasons and memorable playoff runs, underscoring the variability that accompanies elite athletic performance at the highest level.
During the current regular season, Ovechkin has skated in a portion of the Capitals’ games and recorded a modest point total. In the span of 25 games, he produced 16 points, consisting of five goals and eleven assists. The season also marked a landmark moment for Ovechkin when he logged his 1500th NHL point, achieved with an assist in a game against the Dallas Stars. That milestone was celebrated as a historic achievement for a Russian-born player, underscoring Ovechkin’s place in the annals of the league and his role as a durable, record-setting performer in the Capitals franchise history.
The conversation around Ovechkin has included observations about leadership, resilience, and the expectations placed on one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. While some discussions focus on the tactical system and player pairings, others emphasize the mental and physical demands placed on a star who has carried a team for many seasons. The Capitals, like many teams, are navigating a period of transition that tests depth, adaptability, and the ability to maintain a high level of play while supporting their captain from multiple angles.
In related developments, figures close to the organization have offered guidance and strategic advice as the season unfolds. The broader hockey community continues to watch how the Capitals adjust their approach to maximize Ovechkin’s strengths, balance line chemistry, and sustain competitiveness across a demanding schedule. The next chapters will reveal whether Washington can stabilize its lineup around its veteran leader and reclaim a more consistent scoring rhythm for the team as a whole. This ongoing narrative remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike, reflecting the enduring challenge of sustaining peak performance in elite hockey over the long run.
Note: The observations presented here reflect commentary attributed to Kozhevnikov and reported by vprognoze.ru, illustrating a broader discussion about team dynamics and star performance in the NHL. They are part of an ongoing conversation about how teams manage star players during periods of transitional change.