Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery smiles when talking about the `few faceoff plays` designed for Alex Ovechkin.
When the play starts from the right circle, the Capitals call it `Shooter Back.` From the left circle, it`s known as `Board Side O` – short for `board side Ovechkin.` These play designs have resulted in numerous goals and are so effective that almost every NHL team has adopted their own version, though none feature an Ovechkin at the finish.
Ovechkin`s career is defined by scoring goals, especially as he approaches Wayne Gretzky`s record of 894. These plays are crucial to that legacy. The area in the left faceoff circle has become famously known as `Ovi`s Office.`
Ovechkin`s name is synonymous with faceoff goals because of these plays and his unique ability to shoot accurately even with an unstable puck. The Capitals have also consistently provided him with teammates who enhance his game as he chases the record. Coach Carbery notes, `The goal is simply to get the puck to him, onto his stick, and allow him a clear shot from anywhere inside the top of the circles.`
Ovechkin`s first NHL goal was on October 5, 2005, before rising rookie star Macklin Celebrini was even born. While Ovechkin can score from anywhere, the faceoff circle is his prime scoring zone. Data shows he has scored 210 goals from this area since the 2007-08 season.
NHL coaches and players agree that Ovechkin`s pursuit of Gretzky`s record highlights his and the Capitals` consistent performance in placing their legendary player in scoring positions.
An NHL assistant coach pointed out, `One often-overlooked aspect of his faceoff circle success is that he’s almost always had a left-handed center. Currently, it’s Dylan Strome, and before him, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom. This works perfectly because he’s a right-handed shot, and they pull the puck to his forehand. A right-handed center would make these plays much harder to execute.`
Despite nearly two decades in the NHL, through different eras of hockey, no one has consistently stopped Ovechkin from scoring from the faceoff circle. Opponents know exactly where he will be, but the complexity of defensive decisions and player movements often gives Ovechkin and the Capitals an edge.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, a former teammate of Ovechkin, stated, `He`s likely to become the greatest goal scorer ever, making him incredibly difficult to defend. It’s about anticipating and minimizing his space, but he continuously finds it and scores.`
Gudas recounted his first game against Washington: `He scored four goals, and you just wonder, `How is this even possible?“
WHAT MAKES `Board Side O` so hard to defend? An assistant coach explains using video clips. In the first clip, Strome, a left-handed center, wins the faceoff. Ovechkin is almost instantly on the puck.
The coach notes Ovechkin`s quickness off the mark, often moving before his opponent, creating separation perfected over his career.
Beyond initial separation, the puck is often unstable and hard to control. Yet, Ovechkin shoots on net with incredible speed and accuracy.
`For 99% of the league, a fumbled puck negates a scoring chance,` the assistant coach says. `Ovechkin, however, manages to get shots through regardless. This elite skill is unmatched in the league.`
The assistant coach shares more `Board Side O` clips and then shows `Shooter Back` from the opposite side. With the faceoff on the right, Ovechkin is positioned inside. A left-handed center pulls the puck to him, and he quickly shoots another wobbly puck past the goalie.
Steven Stamkos, ranking high in all-time goals, points out the many elements needed to score from faceoffs. Shooters need playmakers and must find space in the faceoff circle. Proper positioning leads to cross-ice passes and difficult-to-stop shots.
He adds that pass speed often dictates shot placement, but the main goal is a shot so quick the goalie can`t react.
`The faceoff dot area between hashmarks is a quiet zone in the defensive end,` Stamkos explains. `For players like Ovechkin and me, it`s a successful spot we consistently return to.`
Ovechkin`s shot ability leads the assistant coach to compare him to a baseball hitter. Many NHL players practice one-timers expecting perfect puck placement. Ovechkin shoots even if the puck isn`t perfectly positioned.
`Any player can hit a fastball down the middle,` the assistant coach says. `But Ovechkin excels at hitting pitches on the edge of the strike zone. He converts imperfect passes into shots on net, navigating through defenders to challenge goalies.`
OVECHKIN`S FACE-OFF CIRCLE PRODUCTION sparks debate about high-danger scoring chances. With Ovechkin in the circle, it’s as dangerous as it gets.
`He needs very little space,` says Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi. `A split-second delay, and he scores.`
Ovechkin is known for finding space in the circle, dropping to one knee, and unleashing a one-timer, followed by his signature celebration.
Barry Trotz, who coached Ovechkin for several seasons, including their 2018 Stanley Cup win, says the Capitals` power play forces opponents to choose: focus on Ovechkin, leaving others open, or defend everyone else and hope to prevent the puck reaching Ovechkin.
Both choices present problems. Playmaking centers will find other options or score themselves. Puck-moving defensemen and wingers like T.J. Oshie and Tom Wilson also capitalize on opportunities.
`They’ve been consistently excellent for years, and Ovechkin is a much better passer than recognized,` Trotz notes, highlighting Ovechkin`s assists record. `If he can’t shoot through, he’s a capable passer, often underrated.`
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh says there`s a reason penalty killers still struggle with Ovechkin.
`Players like him and Stamkos prefer to shoot and set up their shot, but they also know shot-blocking lanes may open up passing opportunities,` McDonagh says. `They can find those lanes and create chances for teammates.`
Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy describes Ovechkin’s shot as both powerful and uniquely difficult to track, comparing it to a high-speed knuckleball.
Vasilevskiy explains that while goalies train to stop flat shots at various speeds, Ovechkin`s shot movement and power are almost impossible to replicate. It changes direction `at least three or four times` en route to the net.
`Even a flat shot from him is hard to stop,` Vasilevskiy admits. `But with the knuckleball effect, it`s nearly impossible. You just try to position yourself well and hope to block it. Reacting to such a shot is not really an option.`
Josi adds that blocking Ovechkin`s shot is also very challenging for defensemen.
`It’s powerful, but he also knows exactly where it’s going,` Josi says. `Often, he anticipates block attempts and shoots around them.`
INJURIES TO BACKSTROM and Oshie, and Kuznetsov`s trade, caused a Capitals transition. Despite this, they made the 2023-24 playoffs as a wild card, but their power play and goals per game stats were lower than usual.
This affected Ovechkin`s scoring, resulting in his lowest goal and point totals in seasons with over 70 games played.
This season, the Capitals are leading the Eastern Conference and the NHL in goals per game, with a strong power play.
Coach Carbery notes, `You can’t just replace Nicklas Backstrom`s unique talent. It’s unfair to expect Dylan Strome to become him. Their skill sets are different. We had to experiment and adjust, moving away from the decade-old successful strategies, because things change.`
Strome recalls initially always looking for Ovechkin, similar to his time with Patrick Kane on the Blackhawks.
However, Strome learned he now has the freedom to carry the puck into the offensive zone and find Ovechkin in various positions.
`Playing with someone of Ovechkin`s caliber heightens your awareness, and you want to get him the puck,` Strome explains. `You aim to complement these top players and ensure you perform well enough to stay on their line.`
Metrics indicate Strome has played extensively with Ovechkin at 5-on-5 this season, highlighting their effective partnership.
Wilson, a long-time Capital, says playing with Ovechkin is about understanding space. His role has always been to create space for Ovechkin or find him in open areas through effective forechecking.
Wilson joked about their physical presence together on the ice. Ovechkin and Wilson`s size creates significant challenges for opponents.
`He also creates space,` Wilson adds. `Everyone expects him to shoot, but he often passes, leading to many goals for me on backdoor plays or in the slot. His shot is so potent, it opens up everything else.`
Carlson and Wilson note the excitement this season, with fans in every arena eager to witness Ovechkin approach the record.
The anticipation of being part of the record-breaking goal has players vying for ice time, which amuses Coach Carbery.
`Absolutely!` Carlson confirms his desire to assist on Ovechkin`s historic goal. `Everyone wants to be involved. It’s on everyone’s mind.`
Wilson concludes, `Everyone wants to be part of history. Being able to tell future generations about it will be unforgettable, regardless of who makes the final pass.`
