Ovechkin Is Still Throwing Hits

(Caps Outsider)

Lately I’ve heard a few folks mention that Alex Ovechkin doesn’t hit as much as he used to. His goal total, shot toal, and hit total throughout his career makes him one of the most unique players in league history. While his goal total and shot total have remained consistently among the league’s best, I was curious where his hit total has landed in recent years considering how often it’s been mentioned lately.

Bottom line: Ovi’s hits were down by a lot… last year. In 2017-18, he had a career low of 139 (not including the 48-game lockout season) and ranked 79th in the league. His previous lowest league rank was 31st. His high was 9, which he did twice.

Since he entered the league in 2005-06, he’s fourth overall with 2829, only behind Dustin Brown (3308), Cal Clutterbuck (3002), and Brooks Orpik (2933).

So, I suppose it’s technically true that Ovechkin’s hits lately are down from previous years, but that’s only because last year was an anomaly. This season, he’s passed the 200 hit total for the 9th time in his career, and he’s done that 5 of the past 6 seasons.