Capitals' Niskanen on Ovechkin: 'He's made a commitment to a 200-foot game'
Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz has already been heard singing the praises of Alex Ovechkin`s game this season, and the captain has now received a big endorsement from someone who knows a thing or two about playing against him: former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman turned teammate Matt Niskanen.
“There were times in the past where (Ovechkin) would be at 50 percent if he didn’t have [the puck],” Niskanen told Chuck Gormley of CSN. “You’ve seen him blocking shots, picking up guys on the backcheck. He’s in the right spots when we don’t have the puck in the defensive zone and in breakouts.
“He’s made a commitment to a 200-foot game and you can see it’s not taking away from his offense. He’s really had the puck a lot and has had chances and speed on the rush. He’s done a lot of the thing that you want your captain to do.”
Ovechkin is indeed off to a sparkling start for the Capitals, with five goals, one assist, a plus-one rating and a league-leading 24 shots on goal. On top of that, he`s averaging one block and four hits per game, evidence of an increased intensity when he finds himself without the puck.
With his team rolling with a 2-0-2 record to start the season, Ovechkin could be in line for Hart Trophy consideration if he keeps it up.