Alex Ovechkin takes rest with Game 5 pressure building

Alex Ovechkin didn't skate in the morning on Wednesday. But don't worry, Capitals fans, the coach has told us everything is fine. Alex Ovechkin is just having a "maintenance day" and he's taking it easy ahead of Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes . The Capitals can lose this next game and their season will be done, so this one is super important. The 39-year-old captain will play and give it his all to extend his team's season.

Alex Ovechkin gets ready for Game 5
Alex Ovechkin hasn't scored much in this playoff series. He has just one point on a five-on-three power play in Game 4. But he's still grinding. In that game, he played almost 20 minutes, more than in any other playoff game this season. He had three shots on goal, ten shot attempts, six scoring chances, and six big hits. He drew a penalty for tripping, showing how much he was involved.

Alex Ovechkin takes maintenance day, misses practice ahead of potential season-ending Game 5 https://t.co/2uLgo0FYhi

— RMNB (@rmnb) May 14, 2025

In nine games through the playoffs so far, Alex Ovechkin has six points, five goals, and one assist. He's been playing mostly with Dylan Strome at center and Anthony Beauvillier, Aliaksei Protas, or Tom Wilson on his right wing. Ovechkin's line is solid when they are out there, helping the team achieve more scoring chances than the other team.


Coach Spencer Carbery is helping Alex Ovechkin out by giving him simpler breaks. Ovechkin and Strome have only begun in the defensive zone once in nine games. This helps them to press more instead of defending.

Spencer Carbery has faith in Ovechkin's playoff scoring
Coach Carbery made everyone believe that Ovechkin would play Game 5. "No, no worry," he answered when asked if Alex Ovechkin would sit out the game.


Alex Ovechkin has a track record of stepping up when his team is one game from losing. In 29 games that his team stood to lose, Alex Ovechkin has contributed 13 goals and 11 assists. That's 24 points total. Six players ever in NHL history have scored more goals than Alex Ovechkin in that do-or-die situation.


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