Alex Ovechkin scored his 25th goal of the season and 878th career goal in a recent game against the Florida Panthers. This empty-net goal further solidifies his NHL record with 63 empty-net goals. As he edges closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record of 894, his utilization in empty-net scenarios is being reassessed. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery praised Ovechkin's ability to anticipate puck movement, emphasizing the strategic value of skilled players in these situations, despite their non-defensive roles.
What I see in the empty-net situations is a player that has an incredible ability to read where the puck is going.
Ovechkin has a ton of value playing five-on-six because they are so intelligent with what the offensive players want to do.
He has to be careful in some situations; he can't leave the zone too early, but he's reading where the puck is going.
Ovechkin scored a single-season career-high nine empty-net goals during the 2021-22 campaign.
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