The Washington Capitals just scraped into the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year, having the lowest record among all 16 teams that qualified. They managed to make it largely due to a late-season surge led by veteran goal scorer Alex Ovechkin. However, in the first two games of their first-round series against the New York Rangers, the Capitals are already trailing 0-2, with Ovechkin managing just one shot on goal so far.
Head coach Spencer Carbery’s full postgame media availability following Game 2 of the #StanleyCup Playoffs in New York.#CapsRangers pic.twitter.com/LcdA1azNVp
— x – Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 24, 2024
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery criticized his winger on Tuesday, April 23, stating that Ovechkin is “struggling” and “not getting opportunities” to score against the Rangers.
“I thought in the first two games he looked a bit off. He’s struggling,” Carbery told reporters after the 4-3 loss in Game 2.
“He should be getting four or five scoring chances every game,” Carbery added. “He’s not getting those chances.”
The Capitals will play Game 3 and Game 4 in Washington, trailing 2-0 in the series and facing a challenging task if they want to stage an upset.
Alex Ovechkin Isn’t Helping Capitals But Rather Hurting Them
The Washington Capitals were considered the clear underdogs entering their first-round series against the New York Rangers.
Following their loss in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 23, the Capitals now have a mere 0.1% chance of making it to the Stanley Cup Final and no chance of winning the cup, as per MoneyPuck’s model.
In the first two games, Ovechkin managed only 1 shot on goal and hasn’t recorded any points, neither by scoring nor assisting.
In fact, if negative assists were a thing, Ovechkin might have gotten one after a costly mistake he made in Game 2, which resulted in the Rangers scoring a shorthanded goal late in the second period.
K'Andre Miller adds to New York's lead with a beautiful shorthanded goal, 4-2 Rangers!#NYR pic.twitter.com/MnE5wNaruh
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) April 24, 2024
“After the game, Ovechkin commented, ‘It was kind of a weird bounce. I think Zibanejad had a stick-on-stick.’ ‘Like I said, lucky, but I have to play safer, especially in those moments.’
K’Andre Miller’s goal extended the Rangers’ lead to 4-2, which was particularly damaging as it not only widened the gap between the teams but also occurred during a Capitals’ power play.”
Carbery Had Some Tough Words to Say About Ovechkin
During his postgame press conference following the loss, coach Carbery highlighted Ovechkin’s offensive struggles and defensive errors, specifically mentioning a moment where Ovechkin “bobbled” the puck.
“We gave up the [short-handed goal] when Ovi turns [the puck] over, which was a really difficult goal to give up,” Carbery explained. “On the play, he receives a cross-ice pass and immediately faces pressure, and he bobbles it.”
Despite this, Carbery remained optimistic about Ovechkin’s potential to bounce back in the upcoming games and improve his performance on the ice.
“He has the ability to turn it around. That’s one thing about him,” Carbery expressed. “He could have a bad game and suddenly be a difference maker, helping us win.
“He’ll be fine. He’s been through situations like this before. I expect him to step up big time.”
Alex Ovechkin did not record a shot on goal in Game 1 vs. the Rangers 😳 pic.twitter.com/NMvEqeAJEt
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 21, 2024
Ovechkin wrapped up the regular season with 31 goals and 34 assists in 79 games, marking his 19th NHL season at age 38. The Capitals secured the second wild-card seed heading into the playoffs.
This season has been defined by Ovi’s relentless pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goalscoring record, which he’s projected to surpass either next season or the following one, should he continue playing in the NHL by then.
Gretzky retired with 894 goals, while Ovechkin concluded the 2023-24 regular season with 853 goals in 1,426 games played, according to NHL.com.
The Capitals and Rangers will meet for the third time on Friday, April 26, in Washington for Game 3 of their first-round series. With the Rangers leading 2-0, they could secure a spot in the second round before the weekend if they win the next two contests on the road.
