Ovechkin’s Unstoppable Shot: A Deep Dive into the Capitals’ Secret Weapon
When you think of the Washington Capitals, one name inevitably comes to mind: Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals’ coach, Spencer Carbery, can’t help but smile when he talks about the “few faceoff plays” they run for Ovechkin. These plays, known as “Shooter Back” from the right circle and “Board Side O” from the left, have become legendary in the NHL. They’ve been so successful that every team has tried to replicate them, though none have Ovechkin’s magic touch at the end.
Ovechkin’s legacy is all about scoring goals, and as he closes in on Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894, these plays are a crucial part of his story. The left faceoff circle has even earned the nickname “Ovi’s Office” because of his prowess there. Since 2007-08, Ovechkin has scored 210 goals from the faceoff circle, according to MoneyPuck data. It’s a testament to his skill and the Capitals’ ability to keep him supplied with the right teammates, even as he ages.
Ovechkin scored his first NHL goal on October 5, 2005, before leading rookie of the year contender Macklin Celebrini was even born. Celebrini’s birthday is June 13, 2006. Ovechkin’s ability to score from anywhere on the ice, especially the faceoff circle, is unmatched. Capitals coach Carbery puts it simply: “The reality is all you’re trying to do is get the puck in his hands, on his stick, and let him get a clean shot off anywhere inside the top of the circles.”
Multiple coaches and players across the NHL agree that Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record is a testament to his consistency and the Capitals’ ability to keep him in a position to succeed. An NHL assistant coach noted that Ovechkin’s success in the faceoff circle is partly due to having a left-handed centerman, like Dylan Strome, Evgeny Kuznetsov, or Nicklas Backstrom, who can pull the puck onto Ovechkin’s forehand.
Despite nearly two decades in the league, no one has found a way to consistently stop Ovechkin from scoring from the faceoff circle. Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, who played with Ovechkin in the 2019-20 season, said, “He’s probably going to be the best goal scorer in history, which makes it the hardest job to defend him.” Gudas recalls his first game against Washington, where Ovechkin scored four goals, leaving him wondering, “How did this happen?”
Breaking Down “Board Side O”
What makes “Board Side O” so hard to stop? An assistant coach explains it with video clips. It starts with Strome, a left-handed center, winning the faceoff. Ovechkin is already within 5 inches of the puck, creating separation before his opponent can react. Even with a wobbling puck, Ovechkin fires a perfect shot on net.
- Ovechkin’s quick movement creates separation.
- He can shoot even with a wobbling puck.
- His ability to get pucks through defenders is elite.
Steven Stamkos, tied for 22nd all-time with 577 goals, explains that scoring from the faceoff circle requires playmakers who can distribute the puck and shooters who can find space. The speed of the pass often dictates where the shooter aims, but the goal is to fire the puck quickly so the goalie can’t react.
Ovechkin’s shot is compared to a baseball player’s ability to hit pitches on the edge of the strike zone. He can take imperfect passes and not only get pucks on the net but also put them in difficult places for goalies to save.
Ovechkin’s Impact on the Capitals
Ovechkin’s production from the faceoff circle has sparked debate about what qualifies as a high-danger scoring chance. Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi said, “The thing with him is he doesn’t need much space. You just need to be one second late and he’s going to score.”
Barry Trotz, who coached Ovechkin for four seasons, including their Stanley Cup win in 2018, said the Capitals’ power play forces opponents to choose between focusing on Ovechkin or leaving other players open. This creates opportunities for playmaking centers and puck-moving defensemen to score.
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh said penalty killers are still trying to figure out Ovechkin. Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy compared Ovechkin’s shot to a knuckleball, saying it’s nearly impossible to stop because it changes direction multiple times before reaching the net.
Adapting to Changes
Injuries to Backstrom and Oshie, along with Kuznetsov’s trade, meant the Capitals were in transition. They still reached the playoffs in 2023-24 as a wild-card entry, ranking 18th on the power play (20.6%) and 28th in goals per game (2.63). This season, the Capitals are atop the Eastern Conference standings, leading the NHL with 3.58 goals per game and a power play success rate of 23.7%.
Strome said he initially looked for Ovechkin no matter where they were on the ice, but he learned to carry the puck into the offensive zone and find Ovechkin in different spaces. Wilson, who has been with the Capitals for 12 seasons, said playing with Ovechkin is about understanding space and creating opportunities for him.
As Ovechkin gets closer to breaking Gretzky’s record, players are eager to be on the ice for the historic goal. Carlson and Wilson both said this season has been exciting, with fans filling arenas to see Ovechkin make history. “Everyone wants to be a part of history,” Wilson said. “It doesn’t matter who’s on or who passes it. I just think being able to tell your kids about that one day and being a part of it is going to be something I’ll never forget.”
Originally Written by: Ryan S. Clark
