Having a chance to win the Stanley Cup again, after lifting it for the first time in 2018, was undoubtedly a significant factor in\u00a0Ovechkin\u2019s decision to come back. Adding to his NHL-record total of 929 goals was a lure as well.<\/p>\n
Ovechkin also sounded aware, though, that, with the Capitals\u2019 improved forward depth, he\u2019ll need to work to earn his ice time and opportunities to play in key situations like everyone else. Although he led Washington with 32 goals and 64 points and didn\u2019t miss a game last season, he seemed determined to prove he can still produce at a high level, acknowledging \u201cI have to be better\u201d and talking about changing his offseason training to make that happen.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat always drives \u2018O,\u2019\u201d Capitals coach Spencer\u00a0Carbery said last month. \u201cHe always has that burning fire in him that he wants to go out and show that he’s still one of the great players in the world. That wouldn’t change at 45. He’s just so driven and so motivated, so I think this year and the offseason and what’s gone on with the team and some of the additions, I think it’s given him and our whole organization a little bit of added enthusiasm, energy, excitement about what this could be.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe sounds so excited to get going, to get back to D.C., to put the necessary work in training-wise. So, I have no doubt when we see him back and the work that he put in that he’s highly, highly motivated and excited about the upcoming year.\u201d<\/p>\n
What can a highly motivated\u00a0Ovechkin accomplish at 41 years old? When Gordie Howe<\/a>\u00a0was 41 in 1969-70, he scored 31 goals in 76 games for the Detroit Red Wings, which are the most in NHL history by a player 41 or older.<\/p>\n