Alex Ovechkin records lowest career playing time in non-injury or ejection game vs. Kings

The Career-Low Ice Time of Alex Ovechkin: What This Means for the NHL Legend

Alex Ovechkin reached a career milestone during Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, but it was a milestone that he probably would rather not celebrate. The Great Eight played just 13:49 of total ice time in the Capitals’ 2-1 victory, marking the lowest amount of time he has played in a single, non-injury or non-ejection game in his illustrious 19-season NHL career.

This new career-low surpasses the previous mark he had set under head coach Glen Hanlon in his rookie 2005-06 season, when he skated just 13:53 in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Although Ovechkin has played less time in five other games throughout his career, there have been extenuating circumstances in those instances.

• 0:39 – May 3, 2021 against New York Rangers due to lower-body injury
• 3:08 – November 30, 2009 against Carolina Hurricanes due to ejection for hit on Tim Gleason
• 4:50 – March 14, 2010 against Chicago Blackhawks due to ejection for hit on Brian Campbell
• 7:43 – November 1, 2009 against Columbus Blue Jackets due to upper-body injury
• 9:33 – December 2, 2006 against Buffalo Sabres due to ejection for hit on Daniel Briere

There are several potential reasons for Ovechkin’s limited ice time against the Kings. Firstly, the Capitals did not draw any penalties, resulting in no power play opportunities for Ovechkin. Additionally, Ovechkin’s line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson was ineffective, leading to concerns about their performance on the night. Finally, the Capitals were on a back-to-back road trip, which may have influenced Ovechkin’s ice time.

Despite these factors, it’s difficult to ignore Ovechkin’s challenging start to the season. With just 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) through 19 games, Ovechkin is experiencing his worst start to a season in his career. If he continues at this pace, he could end the season with only 21 goals and 51 points, marking a significant decline compared to previous seasons.

This slow start has sparked concerns about Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. If he doesn’t reverse this trend, it may impact his ability to surpass the legendary Gretzky.

Photo credit: Alan Dobbins/RMNB