I would agree that size is important for a deep playoff run. But they also need to be quick, and that is what’s been lacking since 2018.


https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/07/22/washington-capitals-heaviest-team-nhl-2026-27-season/

He could’ve played another 5 productive seasons if he took the offseason seriously during his career instead of relying on natural talent.




https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/latest-news/ovechkin-says-he-was-worried-there-wouldnt-be-enough-space-for-him-to-return-to-capitals-before-signing-one-year-extension

   




Uh ..... I think it's rather risky to claim that a hockey player could maintain productivity into his mid-to-late-40's at an NHL level.  There have been a few guys able to do that, but it's the exception that proves the rule.  Frankly, I'm amazed that he has been able to maintain the level of production he has to this point, given that he has played 21 HARD seasons, missing very few games, playing huge minutes, and for most of his career playing a very tough style of play. 


Ovechkin at this point is an extreme example of a 100-foot hockey player, to the extent that he was virtually excluded from defensive zone face-offs this past season.  This creates issues for the coach, for if Ovechkin's line is up but play shifts to the defensive zone, the coach has to juggle and get someone else out in his place if he can't be trusted in the d-zone.  This is no criticism of him, but the outcome of two decades of wear and tear.  And I don't know that better off-season conditioning would create a different Ovechkin at this point.  Would it make him faster, quicker laterally, more motivated to stick with his man or cover his assigned territory off the puck in the d-zone rather than hang around waiting for a breakout? 

Saw a pic of Ovi at the World Cup finale.. So much for hoping he'd take the offseason serious and show up lean.. 

The only chant I remember from those days is Hextal

Rod Langway would like a word

Haha.  I loved Langway but he was mostly before my time.  I aint as old as that ole Redneck