15 reasons this NHL season took place in the Upside Down
By Paul Grant
11. Ovechkin’s prowess
Folks predicted a decent scoring campaign for Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, but few expected him to threaten 50 goals again. But by the end of the regular season, he did, falling one short of the mark.
Can you blame people for doubting Ovechkin, though? After all, he lost some of his supporting crew and the Capitals were coming off yet another disappointing playoff performance. Plus, his goal production dropped off dramatically last season, from 50 to 33, and many were predicting the decline of the Russian empire.
Oh, and Ovechkin was torqued off about not being able to represent Mother Russia in the Winter Olympics, after saying previously he was going regardless. So, sour Russian machine might break?
But it didn’t turn out that way, comrade. In this odd new reality of the 2017-18 season, Ovechkin led the NHL in goals, captured the Rocket Richard Trophy and propelled the Caps into contention once again. The dude just keeps getting it done, regardless of how high people rank him on the doubt meter.