The Washington Capitals were one of the major surprises of 2024-25. After sneaking into the playoffs in 2023-24, expectations were a playoff berth at best the next season. The Caps ended up being the best team in the Eastern Conference. It was led by Alex Ovechkin, as he broke the all-time goals record . As the team attempts to duplicate the success from last year, a new X-factor is going to step up for Washington.

Ovechkin is the best player in Capitals history , and one of the best players in NHL history. Ovi missed time in the 2024-25 season due to a broken leg. Regardless, he scored 44 goals, hitting the 40-goal marker for the ninth time in 11 years. It also brought him to 897 goals in his NHL career.

Ovechkin was injured on the first day of training camp , but he is still expe

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