Bruce Boudreau breaks down why Alexander Ovechkin is struggling
Photo credit: Russian Machine Never Breaks
Star player Alexander Ovechkin has struggled in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs so far, and Bruce Boudreau, who once coached Ovechkin, believes he knows why
The Washington Capitals barely made it into the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, and in all honesty, it's showing. The Caps, in fairness, don't have an easy task in the first round taking on the President's Trophy winning New York Rangers, and the team has had a tough time getting it going, down 2-0 so far. No one on the Washington roster has a bigger spotlight on them right now than superstar Alex Ovechkin. But he's failed to be much of a factor in the first two games, and he knows it.
"Ovechkin, asked how he's felt because Carbery says he's looked a little off, deadpanned, 'Not good.' Says he needs to be more patient, find open ice, help his linemates and bring some physicality."
Former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau, who was Ovechkin's coach with the Capitals for five seasons early in the veteran's career, has given his thoughts on why Ovechkin hasn't had much of an impact so far. Boudreau said Ovechkin is trying to do the same thing over and over, and it's not working.
"Maybe he can't do it at 38 anymore where he can't crash, bang and do it with the energy that he used to do it. But he's standing still getting pucks, and when he's standing still getting pucks, the Rangers are too quick. They come at you too fast. So he doesn't have time to get out of the way."
Ovechkin had an excellent regular season, scoring 31 goals and 65 points. But, Boudreau said he hasn't looked engaged in the playoffs.
"So, to me, he's not engaged mentally right now. He wants to be, but he's not because he's frustrated and things aren't going the way he wants them to go."
The Great 8 needs to find his rhythm soon, or his team risks going down 3-0 in the series tonight to the New York Rangers. That will all but ensure a first-round exit for the Washington Capitals.
Source: House of Hockey
Bruce Boudreau defends Alex Ovechkin amidst of playoff struggles
Bruce Boudreau defends Alex Ovechkin amidst of playoff struggles
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26 AVRIL | 183 ANSWERS Bruce Boudreau breaks down why Alexander Ovechkin is struggling What do you think of Bruce Boudreau's take on Alexander Ovechkin's playoff struggles? | ||
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