Alex Ovechkin Gets a Breather as NHL Heads to Olympic Break
For the first time since 2014, NHL players are heading back to the Olympics. But one of the league’s most iconic stars won’t be making the trip. With Russia barred from competing, Alex Ovechkin won’t be suiting up for his country - and that means the Washington Capitals legend is getting a rare midseason breather.
And frankly, it looks like he could use it.
Thursday night’s win over the Flyers was a good one for Washington - a 4-2 result that keeps them within striking distance of a playoff spot. But it was also notable for something we almost never see: Ovechkin logging just 13 minutes and 15 seconds of ice time. That’s the lowest total of his career in a game where he wasn’t injured or tossed.
For a guy who’s been the heartbeat of the franchise for nearly two decades, that kind of number jumps off the stat sheet. But it didn’t come out of nowhere.
The Caps have been managing Ovechkin’s minutes more carefully this season, especially in the defensive zone. It’s part of a broader strategy to preserve his legs and maximize his impact where it matters most - in the offensive end.
And despite the lighter workload, the production is still there. Through 59 games, Ovechkin has tallied 22 goals and 26 assists. That’s 48 points, and while it’s not the blistering pace of his prime, it’s still solid top-six output - especially for a 40-year-old winger carrying the weight of 1,400+ career games.
The Capitals are clearly trying to strike a balance. They know Ovi can still be a game-breaker, particularly on the power play and in high-leverage offensive situations. But they also know he’s not the same player who used to bulldoze his way through 25 minutes a night, game after game, season after season.
That’s why Thursday’s game likely featured some extra breathers - moments where, in years past, Ovechkin might’ve jumped over the boards again, but now stays put to conserve energy for the next big push. It’s a subtle shift, but one that makes sense for a team trying to squeeze every last drop out of a generational scorer.
And let’s not forget: Ovechkin is still chasing history. He’s already the NHL’s all-time goal leader with 919 and counting. That number will keep growing, but it’s going to take smart management - by both player and team - to keep him fresh enough to keep lighting the lamp.
With the Olympics on the horizon and no national team obligations for Ovechkin, this break comes at the perfect time. The Capitals are a few points back of a playoff spot, and they’ll need their captain rested and ready for the stretch run.
For now, Ovi gets a chance to recharge. It’s earned.
It’s needed. And if the Caps are going to make a real push, they’ll need him at his best - even if that means a little less ice time along the way.