Former Spartak and SKA winger Maxim Rybin has voiced support for Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin, who has faced a slow start in the National Hockey League. Rybin’s remarks are presented as a clear endorsement amid scrutiny.
“There’s a lot of negativity surrounding Ovechkin, yet he is set to respond with his play on the ice. It’s important to acknowledge that his career totals remain exceptional. Critics and armchair analysts can start there”, Rybin stated.
Rybin continued, emphasizing patience and continued belief in the veteran scorer. “We must wait and back him. Sasha does not let hostile commentary affect him. He carries the professionalism to ignore the chatter. If you focus on lingering online critics, you might lose perspective”, Rybin noted.
In the current NHL season, Ovechkin has appeared in 14 games, recording four goals and seven assists, showcasing his ongoing contribution to the Capitals’ offense.
At 38 years old, Ovechkin has accumulated 826 goals in the NHL regular season, placing him second all-time behind Canadian icon Wayne Gretzky, who holds 894 goals. With 68 goals remaining, Ovechkin would tie or surpass that historic mark should this trajectory continue as the season progresses.
There has been speculative chatter from other former players about Ovechkin’s legacy. One commentator highlighted that a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame seems increasingly likely based on his career achievements and impact on the game. (Attribution: straight commentary from former peers and observers within the hockey community.)