The most lethal weapon of Alex Ovechkin explained by some NHL players
Photo credit: Imagn Images
When Alex Ovechkin winds up from his signature spot at the left faceoff circle, no one is surprised and opponents know what's coming.
Yet after two decades, the result remains the same and it's another goal even if it's the most telegraphed play in hockey, but it still works and no one's exactly sure why.
«There's really no words to explain it,» Capitals netminder Logan Thompson said. «It's just an Ovi slap shot.»
Why are Alex Ovechkin's slapshots so lethal in his office even after all these years?
The elite goalscorer made a living from that "office" and is adjusting his position just enough to receive passes in stride and most players need the puck flat and perfectly placed.
https://www.nhl.com/capitals/player/alex-ovechkin-8471214? His «wheelhouse» is much larger and he has no trouble hammering rolling pucks coming at him.
«I've never seen a hockey player be able to shoot a rolling puck as well as Alex Ovechkin,» Carbery said.
His slapshot mechanics are simple but powerful and it's weight is loaded on his right foot, a big windup and a big transfer onto his left as he releases.
He uses a 100-flex stick which is very stiff by NHL standards which he bends with the help of his 6-foot-3, 238-pound frame.
The toe curve on his blade adds an unpredictable element when the puck isn't struck cleanly and often creates knuckleball-like movement.
«He's just a smart hockey player in the sense that he always knows where to go,» Capitals center Dylan Strome said. «Maybe not the fleetest of foot anymore, but he's always in the right spots and always finds a way to be open.»
«It's fast. Unpredictable. It goes up quick,» said Marc-Andre Fleury, who has allowed more goals to Ovechkin than any other goalie.
Ovechkin's instincts to score, timing and vision remain elite in the NHL and this is even as his speed has faded, he still finds the space before defenders can close it and lets it fly.
That shot has brought Ovechkin to 894 career goals which is tying Wayne Gretzky's record and remains one of the most iconic weapons in hockey history.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 6 | 58 ANSWERS The most lethal weapon of Alex Ovechkin explained by some NHL players Do you think Alex Ovechkin has the most lethal slapshot in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 50 | 86.2 % |
| No | 8 | 13.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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