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Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is preparing for his 20th NHL season. B/R Open Ice shared a video on X of Ovechkin skating and wrote:
“Ovi was gearing up for Year #20 in the league with his skate test yesterday.”
During an informal practice on Monday, Ovechkin experienced some discomfort. After warming up and starting a drill, he stopped and went to the bench. He received support from teammates before heading to the locker room. This has raised concerns, but now fans have received some relief.
Fans are excited as Ovechkin is just 42 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 goals. This has many NHL fans hopeful for his success this season.
Fans reacted positively to Ovechkin’s return to the ice. However, a section of them are unsure.
“He looks cooked,” one fan said.
“50 goals incoming,” another predicted.
'Surprised whoever was recording could keep up with him," a fan wrote.
The excitement around Ovechkin reflects his importance in the NHL. Here are some more reactions from fans on X:
"Here is hoping Ovi scores 40+ this season," one fan said.
"Still can not believe ovi is holding his stick with two hands while skating most of the time.😃" Another fan shared.
"This is elder abuse. Get him the record and get him off the ice," one fan said in a critical tone.
As Alex Ovechkin continues to train, fans hope he can achieve this historic milestone and further his legendary career.
Pierre-Luc Dubois talked about playing with idol Alex Ovechkin
Pierre-Luc Dubois joined the Washington Capitals from the Los Angeles Kings this offseason. He is excited to play with Alex Ovechkin and shared his childhood memories of watching him.
“I remember a seven-year-old me watching (Ovi) play and going on NHL 2005 and playing with him,” Dubois said per RMNB. “Now, you’re his teammate. It’s pretty crazy that, as a 26-year-old, now I get to call him a teammate. Playing against him was also something, but playing with him will be even more cool.”
Before joining the Capitals, Dubois faced Ovechkin while playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Winnipeg Jets and Los Angeles Kings.
He was on the ice when Ovechkin scored his 802nd goal, moving past Gordie Howe in the goal record. Dubois expressed his happiness for Ovechkin and hoped to help him chase Wayne Gretzky’s record.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery has started Dubois and Ovechkin on different lines but plans to try them together later. Currently, Dylan Strome is centering Alex Ovechkin.
