Alex Ovechkin’s Positional Shift: A Potential Game-Changer for Washington Capitals

Over ten years ago, Alex Ovechkin made a triumphant debut as a right wing player, bagging the esteemed Hart Trophy as NHL’s Most Valuable Player in his inaugural season. The following year, he established his dominance with a record-breaking 51 goals. “I’m ready for it again,” said Ovechkin, hinting at a potential return to the right side for the Capitals’ second match of the season against Vegas on Tuesday.

Coach Carbery’s Reaction to Ovechkin’s Shift

Despite the palpable excitement around Ovechkin’s move, Washington Capitals’ Coach Spencer Carbery downplayed the switch, viewing it as a routine adjustment to even out the team. But, the change could be substantial, considering that Ovechkin at 39 is hot on the heels of Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record. “It’s a minor modification,” commented Carbery. “He’s versatile and can adapt to either side of the ice. So, left or right, it doesn’t matter much to me.”

Ovechkin’s New Role: A Potential Game-Changer?

While the Capitals’ coach may view Ovechkin’s switch lightly, the star player himself quipped, “Perhaps, I’m destined to play as a goalie.” But that role will be filled by Logan Thompson against his former team, the Golden Knights, who let him go in the offseason due to disagreements over his role.

Line-up Adjustments and New Combinations

After a disappointing 5-3 defeat to New Jersey, Carbery shuffled the deck, moving Aliaksei Protas to the top-line left wing, a position Ovechkin has held for most of his two-decade-long career. “We’re just trying out new combinations,” said Ovechkin. “With new members on the team, we need to find the right chemistry. That’s our primary focus right now.”

Ovechkin’s History on the Right Wing

Ovechkin first played as a right wing in the 2013 lockout-shortened season under then-coach Adam Oates. Oates believed Ovechkin’s right-handed shot was better utilized on the right side. Starting with just five goals in his first 16 games, Ovechkin bounced back with 27 goals in his last 32 games, propelling the Capitals into the playoffs. “I have the experience of playing there, but it was a while ago,” confessed Ovechkin. “Whether you start on the left or right, it doesn’t matter. You’re always moving from the offensive zone to the defensive zone.”

Thompson’s Return: An Emotional Night Ahead

The Capitals’ goalie coach, Scott Murray, and Carbery decided to split the first two games between Charlie Lindgren and Thompson. The latter will face his former team, the Golden Knights, in a potentially emotional reunion after being traded due to disagreements over playing time. “We had different perspectives,” said Thompson. “Being relatively new in my career, I was looking for a new opportunity.”

Season Outlook: New Players and Injuries

The Capitals made some significant offseason moves, bringing in players like Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy to bolster their defense. However, after just one game, Roy is already out with an injury, leaving a void that will likely be filled by Dylan McIlrath. This change will likely increase ice time for Trevor van Riemsdyk and top defenseman John Carlson. Meanwhile, Jakub Vrana, who earned his place after a trial at the camp, is likely to replace Sonny Milano in the top three lines’ reshuffle.