“We’re moving in the right direction,” Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin admits team making progress after SLUGGISH start to 2023-24 season

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has admitted that the team is heading on the correct path after a poor start to the season.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin admits team making progress after SLUGGISH start to 2023-24 season

Alex Ovechkin (Pic Credit: Imago)

The Washington Capitals have made a slow start to the season. After opening the campaign with heavy defeats including one against rivals, Pittsburgh Penguins, the team is finding their form again. They have now won four of their last five campaigns. Captain Alex Ovechkin has now claimed that the team is heading on the right path.

The veteran forward had a miserable start to the new campaign as he failed to record shots in the first three games. With a new coach at the helm, they started the 2023-24 season with a 1-3-1 record. The Washington side are now 5-4-1 for the season.

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“I think we’re moving in the right direction... Obviously, it’s a different pace, a different atmosphere, but right now I think we’re getting closer to how we want to be".
Alex Ovechkin as per NHL.com.

The confidence and momentum are certainly on their side as take on the Florida Panthers next time around. However, they have just been dealt a massive blow as forward Nicklas Backstrom is expected to miss the entire season as he taking time off. This puts more pressure on the already struggling offense of the Captials, something Ovechkin and his coach have to work on.

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Washington Capitals continue to struggle offensively

Legendary soccer manager Sir Alex Ferguson once said, “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.” It seems the Washington Capitals have taken this up as they continue to struggle offensively. The team though has been very good at the back and is making up for the lack of goals at the front.

Tom Wilson
Tom Wilson, one of the two players to score more than two goals this season (Pic Credit: Tribune-Review)

Despite having “The Great Eight” Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals are currently ranked 31st (second-bottom) in the league when it comes to average of goals per game. They have only managed to score two or more goals in only two games this season. They have not made great use of the power play as well. However, their defense has stood out on top.

They have averaged just 1.75 goals against them in the last four games with an improved penalty kill. So despite struggling to score goals, they are making sure to keep the opposition out as well with their strong defence.

If the Capitals can improve their offense going forward, they could become a team to beat this season. With Ovechkin now in the twilight of this career, he would hope to enjoy some more success before he eventually calls time on his Hall of Fame hockey career.

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