A dramatic realization for Alex Ovechkin, and it's incredibly sad

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David St-Jean
April 29, 2024 (10:40)

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Alex Ovechkin has been the face of the NHL for many years, alongside Sidney Crosby. A player who could very well break Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record, something we thought was impossible.

At 38 years old, it's not as easy for the Capitals' captain, but the two seasons left on his contract will undoubtedly help. He's currently at 853 goals, and the record is 894.

While the record may not be an issue for him, the playoffs are. No one saw the Capitals making the playoffs this year, and it won't improve in the future.

In fact, if logic holds, we've probably seen Alex Ovechkin in the playoffs for the last time, and he didn't perform well.

"Alex Ovechkin has played just 8:38 through two periods. His 6:38 at even strength is a team low, 59 seconds more than Matt Rempe so far." - Stephen Whyno

He finished the series nailed to the bench. It's a shock for him and for hockey fans in general, but we have to face the fact that he's no longer the same player with age.

"Did we just watch Alex Ovechkin's last playoff game?" - Arpon Basu

Disappointed and emotional, Ovi still faced the media. It's shameful for him to end up with fourth-line player ice time, but he's also the captain, and he responded in the right way.

"I didn't play well, so it sucks that we got swept. I'm proud of this group. We went through a lot of injuries, the trade deadline, but we stuck together and showed character. The experience the guys gained will help." - Alex Ovechkin

He remains a legend of the sport, and even if we don't see him in the playoffs anymore, he will have made history and lifted at least one Stanley Cup.