ARLINGTON, Va. — Alex Ovechkin concluded practice with a playful reenactment of his belly-flop celebration, commemorating his historic 895th NHL goal. The moment delighted the young fans and Washington Capitals supporters present.
However, the team`s focus has quickly shifted from celebrating personal achievements to the collective goal of playoff preparation.
The Capitals returned to the ice on Wednesday, just three days after Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky`s record, bringing an end to the long-anticipated “GR8 Chase.” While the pursuit of this milestone unfolded, the team`s performance experienced a slight dip. With the playoffs drawing near, improving their gameplay is now paramount.
Coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged the unavoidable distraction the record chase presented. He noted that despite efforts to maintain focus on each opponent, the significance of Ovechkin`s pursuit was undeniable.
“The biggest challenge now,” Carbery stated, “is to transition from the excitement of Ovechkin`s achievement back to the immediate task: ensuring the team is in peak condition for the playoffs. The aim is to play cohesively and position ourselves for a strong playoff run.”
