Even in a relatively lackluster season, Alex Ovechkin continues to do things that most players have never done in their career.
For the 13th time, Ovi scored a goal in at least five consecutive games, the lastest coming in Sunday’s game against Vancouver. His goal, which came on a shot that was going wide but bounced in off of a player and in, came a day after he set the NHL record for most empty net goals in a career.
Why this streak is extra special is because Ovi, 38, is statistically having the worst season of his career, so this means he’s bouncing back. And despite his career-low numbers, he’s still leading the Caps in points this season.
What’s been troublesome this season in regards to Ovi’s relatively small goal total – he’s only got 13, when he normally has 30 or so this time of year – is that he’s off pace to beat Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record, assuming he retires after his contract runs out in two years.
But five goals in five games, with plenty of time left this season to add plenty more, means the Great Chase isn’t sputtering to a halt.
