Alex Ovechkin: Playmaker
In his five years with the Caps, Alex Ovechkin has without a doubt become the scariest and most prolific goal-scorer in the NHL. His goal totals already border on historic, both within the franchise and League-wide.
And yet for all the talk of his goal-scoring prowess, one of the more underrated aspects of his game has been his ability to set up plays, to find linemates with a perfect pass, to be a playmaker as well as a sniper. His assist totals are often right up there with his goals; in fact, in three of his first four seasons, his goals and assists for the year were almost identical, the exception being the 07-08 campaign when he put up an incredible 65 goals.
This season, it’s a different story. Surrounded by an offensive juggernaut that’s finally able to keep up with him, Ovechkin has climbed to the top of the NHL scoring race not on the basis of his goals, but his assists. Despite missing eight games, he seems poised to smash his career-high 54 assists; his two assists against the Hurricanes last night has him sitting at 50 - with 15 games remaining and no signs of slowing down.
For comparison’s sake, here’s where he sat 59 games in over the last four seasons:
| GP | G | A | Pts | |
| 2005-06 | 59 | 37 | 33 | 70 |
| 2006-07 | 59 | 34 | 38 | 72 |
| 2007-08 | 59 | 48 | 30 | 78 |
| 2008-09 | 59 | 44 | 35 | 79 |
| 2009-10 | 59 | 44 | 50 | 94 |
To establish his highest points total through 59 games is impressive, and to do it by such a huge margin is even more so - and it's not hard to see where the difference lies.
And it goes well beyond just the raw numbers. Consider that he’s put up huge assist totals, and point totals in general, while actually seeing his average ice time go down this season - from 23:00 a night last year to 21:49 this year.
Although often known for his power play prowess, his biggest gains have come at even strength. Last year he had 27 even strength assists in 79 games; this year he's already at 30, with 20 fewer games played. His assists-per-sixty-minutes at full and even strength has risen from 1.29 in 2008-09 to 1.85 this season, including an outstanding primary A/60 rate of 1.35 - good enough for 5th in the NHL and ahead of teammate (and a pretty impressive playmaker in his own right) Nicklas Backstrom. With penalties generally going down in the playoffs, that development will be huge when the postseason rolls around.
At its most basic level, his growing assist total is merely another set of pretty numbers to add to the growing legend that is Alex Ovechkin. But beyond that is the fact that Ovechkin continues to develop aspects of his game and become more of a well-rounded player - and thus a more dangerous player, with or without the puck.
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Comments
To be fair, he’s only getting those assists because he’s skating with Mike Green.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
Wrong. He’s only getting those assists because he’s such a puck hog and shooting so much that everyone’s cleaning up his rebound garbage.
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Nice choice of pic, in that vein. Grampa Kanoobs approves.
Nicklas Backstrom seemed to be scoring a lot on rebounds last season. This season, more skill, sniper type shots. Ovechkin no doubt benefits.
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by red army line on Mar 11, 2010 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
I saw him knee the empty net.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
by sydtron on Mar 11, 2010 1:40 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
Rec’d. Now that’s funny.
Some people are like Slinkies, not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.
by Green_with_Envy on Mar 11, 2010 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
In All Fehrness – the next clever, punny Rink user name?
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Ha, nice
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Mar 11, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Rec’d in a flash because I just read that in my literature class.
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by red army line on Mar 11, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
puny Rink user names are the worst.
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Mar 11, 2010 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
What does size have to do with it?
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Laichitor, noted size queen.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Mar 11, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And noted typo enthusiast.
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Mar 11, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
True. Think about how great his assist totals would look if he wasn’t selfishly taking shots at empty nets and instead setting up teammates?
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Not exactly the same, but in the Dallas game on the PP where he broke his scoreless streak, I was thinking to myself “Man, I guess Ovi is just going to fire pucks on goal until one finally goes in.” About 8 seconds later, he beat Turco with a snipe from the point.
That aside, his playmaking abilities add a new dynamic to his excellence. It makes him even more of an offensive threat. Teams try to take away Ovechkin the scorer, and they swallow a huge dose of Backstrom and Knuble when Ovi plays setup man. In some ways, I think it speaks to the great balance we have on our first line. With Backstrom developing as a scorer, and Knuble ever present in the slot, paired with scoring threats on the blue line, it takes a very skilled defensive team to stop our top line. There are just too many possible threats to hope to neutralize them all.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Mar 11, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
It’s called, “Hey, we know you all know he’s awesome – but here’s a new twist on just HOW awesome”. The fact that he’s 4 assists shy of his career best with 15 games left and is still maintaining his goal-scoring pace is worth noting.
4 assists shy of his career best with 15 games left after having missed 8 games earlier in the season.
I don’t think Caps fans will ever get tired of talking about ways in which Ovechkin is awesome. At least I never will.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Mar 11, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Same. What’s amazing about Ovie is that he finds new ways to BE awesome, thus giving us endless things to talk about :)
It’s not so new, though. I mean, Chris Clark scored 30 goals in a season on AO’s line – the playmaking has always been there, but the players haven’t.
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by J.P. on Mar 11, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Even better. We get to talk about Ovechkin’s improvement – or at least the renewed realization of skills that were already there – in the context of the team as a whole improving dramatically.
We’ve talked for so long about “the Ovechkin factor” (case in point – Clark’s 30 goal season), it’s nice to have the “Caps factor” for a change.
Can’t an awesome playmaker just be an awesome playmaker?
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Mar 11, 2010 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Glad I waited to post. That’s exactly my take. I’ve seen him making great passes from day 1 but for some reason Zubrus, Clark, Kozlov, et. al. weren’t able to finish the opportunities as well as Knuble and Nicky the Shooter have been able to. K_C and I had a conversation 2-3 years ago where we basically hashed this out.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 11, 2010 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
Oh…he awe inspiring to me in a plethora of ways…I will never tire of peeling back his onion like layers
Pretty soon, I will be able to rip on Ovechkin for secondary assists off of garbage PP goals!
Yes!
Just kidding.
The fact that Nik Backstrom is becoming more and more of a stud everyday is definitely helping, but its like Ovechkin knows he now has enough talent around him where he doesn’t always have to think “shoot first.” He used to skate into the zone and just try to fire it through the goalie every time. He is beginning to pull up more often to look for the open man trailing the play.
They’re starting to get back to having dominant shifts leaving winded defenders and checking lines giving the 2nd and 3rd line a chance to really produce. When you have to cover Ovie tight, keep Backstrom from working his way down to the net while pushing Knuble off of it you don’t really have a chance to stand around.
Ovechkin’s development is just starting. We’re seeing him play the part of a pseudo-enforcer now as well. All due respect to anyone else in the league but I don’t see why you wouldn’t pick Ovechkin first by any metric.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Exactly. What’s even more amazing is that his shot totals are still way up there – 312 so far this year, and that’s with him electing to pass more often.
Not to bring up Crosby on every discussion of Ovie, but I know you’re a Pens fan so you won’t mind ;) I compare it to Crosby finally figuring out that the Pens are never going to give him wingers w/ as much talent as he has so his goal-scoring ability that was always somewhat hidden has come out.
Crosby knows he needs to provide goal-scoring, Ovechkin knows with all the talent around him he doesn’t have to carry the burden of goal-scoring. In both cases these young guys are able to adapt their game and develop skills needed to make the team complete, which is fun to watch.
That’s been the best part of this year – watching the team grow and deepen.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
It is definitely fun to watch. Even though he has missed 8 games, I never thought I would see the day where Crosby had as many goals as Ovie so late in the season. I still think the Richard Trophy is Ovechkin’s to lose, but Crosby has hung in there pretty well for someone with a slightly above average shot. I also never thought I’d see Ovechkin having so many more assists than Crosby so late in the year, either.
The good thing about the Caps is that Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, etc. all seem to do well at the same time. For the Pens, it’s like if Crosby is scoring goals, Malkin decides he wants nothing to do with that….
The Pens’ players have been a little streaky, yes, and on different cycles.
I’m sure they will fix that by about a week into April.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Maybe Sid just needs to move out of Lemieux’s place and move in with Gooch and Malkin so they can synchronize their cycles.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 11, 2010 4:58 PM EST up reply actions 12 recs
I shouldn’t rec that but so help me, I just did.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I still think the Richard Trophy is Ovechkin’s to lose
Absolutely. His .75 to .68 goals-per-game advantage over Sid says as much.
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Excuse me, sir, I know not of any "Stamkos," just of Stankos, pictured here:

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Without any evidence, my gut is his increased assist totals are mostly attributable to Knuble’s rebound goals. He’s always been a good passer, not so sure that’s changed as much as the ability of his other winger.
The keyboard is mightier.
Would say rather the increase is due to two things. One, an increase in the goal scoring ability of his linemates, of which Knuble is certainly a part. He’s certainly an upgrade over, say, Clark or Kozlov in that area. Two, an increase in his willingness/ability to look for the pass.
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Earlier in the season he had nice assist numbers too (a goal + an assist per game through 20 I think) even though Ovechkin-Backstrom-Knuble hadn’t really meshed at all. He definitely was pulling up and looking for the pass on occasion.
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by red army line on Mar 11, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
I would tend to give him more credit rather than less in this instance. I can remember having conversations during the offseason re: Oveckin and his completeness as a player. There seemed to be an agreement (in my head, at least) that while Ovechkin was a superhuman, goal scoring beast, he was not necessarily using his talents as efficiently as he could be — he wasn’t elevating the play of others around him as much as he could.
I think his decision making is markedly better this year and yet he’s still managed to score just as much. This is Ovie maturing. It is awesome.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Mar 11, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
I think it all ties together with this team – he’s more willing to use his teammates because they’re more capable, he knows if he hands out a nice pass it will more often than not end up on or near the goal.
Not saying he thought he was the best and the only one capable of scoring before, but I think he certainly felt more pressure to be The Guy and carry the puck in himself. Again, signs of him evolving and adapting to the situation in which he finds himself.
Absolutely, you can attribute some of his growth to an increased confidence in his teammates, but he really has matured between the ears as a hockey player this year. If we stuck him on the fourth line he’d still be making good decisions with the puck.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Mar 11, 2010 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
and even if it’s not a nice pass per se, he knows if he shoots, Grandpa slippers parked over there is going to pot it in. I definitely like that he’s adapting more and making better decisions with the puck.
I think now that the league D knows Ovie better, he can’t pull the same stuff that he used to be able to (and score), which shows when he wants to be The Guy and do things himself. I’m glad that he’s really developing in this area.
I concur and thanks for data analysis
As a Caps fan in Pittsburgh you can imagine the homer propaganda I hear up here both about how Ovie is so one dimensional and how he is not worried about anything other than scoring . . . . . as well as how some kid up here is a workhorse and is always improving his weaknesses etc. blah yada.
Thanks for the information to support my belief (and continual discussion point) that Ovie has improved all areas of his game and that he is not resting on his god given talent but working hard to improve.
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
good luck with that up there. something tells me nothing will convince them that ov is nothing but a puckhog who gets all his goals cause he shoots 100 times a game into an open net. they will then crow about how their boy is now a goal scorer too…which is true because, surprise, he’s taking more shots.
not sure of the exact stats on assist by position but my guess is that centers are expected to have more assist given the nature of their position. looks like six of the top 10 assist guys are centers, three wings and…one particular dman.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Mar 11, 2010 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
I guess I just don’t get why it has to be one or the other – Crosby is actually working hard to improve himself, we saw it on faceoffs last year and we’re seeing it with his goal-scoring this year. Ovechkin is working hard to improve himself as a multi-dimensional player who uses his teammates more.
They’re both amazing players. I’ve never understood why one being good or doing something positive means the other one sucks. And it’s not exclusive to Pittsburgh, Caps fans often feel the same way about Crosby.
Very good point, Becca.
I know this sounds like a cop-out, but comparing Crosby and Ovechkin is like comparing apples to milk. (I would use apples to oranges, but they are at least both a fruit). They have absolutely nothing in common with their games.
Lunatic Fringe and Dcsportsfan, any fanbase would do the same thing. That’s just the way fans are.
You know what I find a little strange? PIT got a terrific playmaker in 87, then have added more and are sparse on scorers. Meanwhile, the Caps got a great scorer and added more, so are a little thin on “playmakers.” Seems like both Ovie and Sid decided to switch a little bit.
CИДHИЙ KPOCБИЙ: АЛEKCAHДP OBEЧKИH, OH CEЙЧAC TBOЙ ПAПA
by red army line on Mar 11, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Its not just fans but the media also. . . . I agree with Becca that both can coexist and be great. I am not disputing Crosby’s greatness in the slightest, I am lucky to get to watch him each night (assuming a Caps game is not on —getting NHL Center Ice is annually the greatest purchase I make). But it is the irrational disputing of Oveckin’s greatness that frustrates me. Its just hard to listen to self proclaimed hockey experts make such biased statements. I suppose its the world we live in. . .
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Mar 11, 2010 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
Other than Mike Milbury, who diminishes Ovechkin’s greatness?
I always feel like fans tend to harp more on the few negative things that are said about a player, while leaving the numerous positive things go in one ear and out the other. I’m not singling you out, it’s just something that all fans, myself included, have done.
It’s like Red Wings fans for example. I know I am generalizing here, but they are always playing the “everyone hates the Wings, the NHL hates the Wings, why are the Pens and Caps always on National TV, everyone wants the Wings to lose” card. Where were they from 1996-2003 when the ONLY national games shown on ESPN included the Wings, Avs, or Rangers. One shred of negative press sometimes pushes all the positive things we have heard out of our heads.
(I apologize if my rambling made no sense)
Every sports personality in Pittsburgh hates on Ovechkin, Milbury is a national personality (why? I have no idea but that is a whole other thread). Its is a vicious cycle here, the media folks get lambasted by local fans if anyone dare say something positive about AO which drives the media to pandar to their audience. . . .
The most complimentary thing I have heard here is a statment like “Sure Ovechkin is a great goal scorer but for my money Crosby all the way, he works hard in the corners, he wins faceoffs, he backchecks, he rakes up the assists and now he even scores”. At best its a backhanded compliment meant to imply AO is one dimensional. Frustrating to listen to. I get why it happens and I am willing to accpet it, after all I chose to live here. But it doesn’t make it any easier.
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Mar 11, 2010 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
That sounds familiar…..
Sure Crosby has won the cup, but for my money Ovi all the way. He hits hard, doesn’t cry to the refs, scores goals, plays with intensity and now he even passes.
/obligatory ‘talking to the refs is what captains do’ statement
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 11, 2010 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
It’s not just Milbury. I guess you don’t regularly read all of the Caps Clips J.P. posts, but it’s a recurring theme that AO gets backhanded compliments, especially from Canada.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 11, 2010 5:12 PM EST up reply actions
I know this sounds like a cop-out, but comparing Crosby and Ovechkin is like comparing apples to milk. (I would use apples to oranges, but they are at least both a fruit).
And in your comparison Crosby is the only fruit!
Go Flyers!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 11, 2010 4:17 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
because i think that some folks feel that by recognizing the other guys greatness it somehow deminishes your guy. i have no problem recognizing that crosby has greatly improved his goal scoring ability. i find it ironic that it seems to be directly related to him doing something that many folks criticize ov for, taking a lot of shots.
seems that if crosby improves in a certain area that its due to his hard work and focus on improving himself, but if ov is all about himself and his success is due to him just having natural ability and not due to hard work or focus on improvement.
such as it is with these guys. they are both so different in everyway (other than being great hockey players) that it makes it so easy to focus on those differences and take sides about one guy or the other. will be that way for a long, long time.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Mar 11, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I understand. You may as well get used it it. I am a Pittsburgher in NOVA, so I deal with the reverse of what Lunatic Fringe deals with.
You just have to love the fact that we are living in the “golden age” of hockey talent right now. So many great young players are in the game right now, and Crosby and Ovie lead the way.
by Link_Gaetz on Mar 11, 2010 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
You just have to love the fact that we are living in the "golden age" of hockey talent right now. So many great young players are in the game right now, and Crosby and Ovie lead the way.
So true, and rec’d. I’m feeling very peaceful and zen-like today, LG – let’s all hold hands and sing “Kumbaya”! We’re all friends here!
…until March 24th, of course. Then you’re going down, pal.
About the same as the chances of Crosby passing the puck, the damn puckhog.
:D
…but seriously, while you may be able to find scalpers w/ tickets you might be better off checking out the online ticket market – StubHub, Craigslist, etc. I’m just not sure how many tickets will be available on the street to that one.
So my wife (a Pens fan. . . gasp, a passive fan though and I am working on it, it is a process) and I are coming down for the March 24th game and staying at the lovely Red Roof Inn in Chinatown. We have Dewars Club tickets but our seats our in section 423.
Any chance there will be a pregrame gathering somewhere well before the game starts? I have been looking forward to this all year. Took two days off work for one 2.5 hour hockey game.
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Mar 11, 2010 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
You will absolutely be able to show up and buy tickets from the scalpers at 7th and F. You will have to pay, but they always have them, no matter how big the game.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Mar 11, 2010 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
7th and F, eh? I will certainly keep that in mind.
However, you are a Caps fan. How do I know this isn’t the ol’ “9th green at 9” trick, a la Happy Gilmore?
There will be scalpers everywhere, but for a Pens game they will want a pound of flesh
Aim for the head baby Jesus
No, there are always scalpers. And they are easy to find, too. Just look for the guys that… uh… don’t look like they’d normally be attending a hockey game.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 11, 2010 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
True, but I’m not leading you astray this time. That corner (at the top of the Metro escalator) is ground zero for scalping activity, with the stretch of sidewalk down F towards the main doors. You can also find scalpers walking up and down 7th between that corner and Chipotle, and sometimes even across the street in front of Ruby Tuesday. As F&B states below, look for those who seem out of place per the hockey demographics cited by Steinbog today.
For Pens games, especially week night, you shouldn’t have any trouble, unless you want two or more together in the lower bowl or something of high demand.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Mar 11, 2010 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
Unfortunately a lot of that comes down to the way the media has painted them, and a bit of how they actually are. Ovie’s seen as looser, funnier, less concerned w/ work, while Crosby’s viewed as this boring, serious guy w/ intense work ethic. And we’re all automatically programmed to be offended when one gets mentioned and the other doesn’t.
They’re insanely different on and off the ice – and yet I’ve seen Ovie be serious and focused, and I’ve seen Crosby crack jokes.
But yes, it’s likely to be that way for a long time. It’s part of being a fan, really. The logical hockey fan part of me knows Crosby is an amazingly talented player and tremendous leader; the biased Caps fan side of me knows he’s got nothing on Ovie ;)
Cs definitely get more assists. Last year AO had the highest assist total for a non-center.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 11, 2010 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
Big increase in AO’s team goals against while on ice this year as well…thus far, he’s at 35 GA in 59 games (0.59); Last year, he was on ice for 82 Goals Against in 79 games (1.04).
thus helping that ridiculous +/- he is sporting.
Forget about finding your perfect match, I want a website where you can find your perfect arch-nemesis
by Lunatic Fringe on Mar 11, 2010 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
Brings new meaning to the phrase “pulling an Ovechkin.”
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Must be tough then to be Ovechkin with a groin pull then, huh? Only two points per game???
CИДHИЙ KPOCБИЙ: АЛEKCAHДP OBEЧKИH, OH CEЙЧAC TBOЙ ПAПA
by red army line on Mar 11, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Great vid up on the nhl page on espn.com of Brooksie talking about sticks and Ovie catches him demonstrating the flex on one of this sticks. Ovie certainly seems surly and unfriendly to the camera…totally.
His terrific assist totals should surprise no one…200 goals and 200 assists in first 4 seasons club: Gretzky, Lemieux, Ovechkin. He’s been doing it all along. Upgrading to Knuble and Lars turning into a sniper means he just might hit 60+ assists this year. He tied with Iglina for most assists by a wing even last year…only reason why so many ignore his assist totals is because the # in the G column was higher than the one in the A column.

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