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Do the Washington Capitals have an Alex Ovechkin problem?

The NHL's all-time leading goal scorer has found the back of the net just once so far this season. At 41, does he have more to offer?

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 10:31 AM
Do the Washington Capitals have an Alex Ovechkin problem?
Key Things to Know
  • The Athletic examines whether Alex Ovechkin's early-season struggles represent a growing issue for the Washington Capitals.
  • Ovechkin has scored just one goal through his first 10 games of the season at age 41.
  • Capitals coach Spencer Carbery has reduced Ovechkin's ice time to a career-low average of 13:58 per game.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The Athletic analyzes whether Alex Ovechkin's slow start to his final NHL season is becoming a problem for the Washington Capitals. At 41 years old, Ovechkin has managed just one goal in his first 10 games, marking the slowest start to a season in his 22-year career as head coach Spencer Carbery attempts to manage his ice time.

According to the analysis, advanced metrics show the Capitals allow significantly more expected goals against when Ovechkin is on the ice. Despite his reduced role of under 14 minutes per game, Carbery remains focused on helping the veteran find his scoring touch while integrating younger linemates like Ilya Protas.

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