Alex Ovechkin, the NHL’s second-highest goal scorer in regular season history, has faced criticism for his playoff performances. Despite winning the Stanley Cup in 2018, Ovechkin has been held without a goal or assist in a playoff series for the first time in his career. In the recent first-round sweep by the New York Rangers, Ovechkin managed only five shots on net.
Ovechkin acknowledged his poor performance after the Game 4 loss. “I didn’t play well,” he said. “I don’t have that kind of touch. I try to find a different way to put the puck in.”
The Rangers’ suffocating defense made it difficult for Ovechkin to create scoring chances. New York’s Vincent Trocheck poked away Ovechkin’s best opportunity in Game 4, and the Russian superstar was largely neutralized throughout the series.
“He’s been doing it for so long,” Trocheck said. “He’s arguably one of the best, if not the best, goal-scorers of all-time. We had to pay a little bit more attention to him on the penalty kill. Obviously, we’re extremely focused on him.”
Rangers winger Artemi Panarin remained tight-lipped about the team’s strategy for shutting down Ovechkin. “It’s a secret,” he said.
Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers’ goaltender, also played a key role in limiting Ovechkin’s impact. “The defense was awesome,” Shesterkin said. “All four games, they played in front of him and didn’t let him do anything.”
At 38 years old, Ovechkin’s future in the NHL playoffs is uncertain. Washington missed the playoffs last year, and with an aging core, it’s possible that this was Ovechkin’s final postseason appearance.
“I hope I’m still going to get a couple chances,” he said.
