Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery jokingly talks about the few faceoff strategies designed for Alex Ovechkin.
When the play starts from the right faceoff circle, the Capitals call it `Shooter Back.` From the left, it’s known as `Board Side O,` short for `board side Ovechkin.` These strategically designed plays have led to numerous goals and are so effective that every NHL team now has their own version, though none feature an Ovechkin at the finish.
Ovechkin`s career is built on scoring goals, and these plays are crucial to his legacy as he approaches Wayne Gretzky`s record of 894 goals. The area in the left faceoff circle has become famously known as `Ovi’s Office` because of his faceoff goal dominance.
Ovechkin’s association with faceoff goals comes from these play designs and his incredible ability to shoot accurately even with an unstable puck. The Capitals have also consistently provided him with teammates who complement his style, allowing for continuous adjustments and sustained success as he chases the record. Carbery notes, `The main goal is simply to get the puck to him, onto his stick, so he can get a clear shot from anywhere around the top of the circles.`
Ovechkin`s NHL journey began with his first goal on October 5, 2005, before top rookie prospect Macklin Celebrini was even born. While Ovechkin can score from anywhere, the faceoff circle is his prime scoring zone, accounting for 210 goals since the 2007-08 season, according to MoneyPuck data.
NHL coaches and players agree that Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record highlights his and the Capitals` consistent dedication to placing their greatest player in scoring positions.
One NHL assistant coach points out, `A key factor in his faceoff circle success is that he’s almost always had a left-handed center. Currently, it’s Dylan Strome, and before him, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom. This works perfectly because he’s a right-handed shot, and they pull the puck back to his forehand. It would be even harder for these plays to work with a right-handed center.`
For nearly two decades, even through evolving NHL strategies, no one has consistently stopped Ovechkin from scoring from the faceoff circle, even though his setup is predictable. NHL insiders explain that the numerous decisions and player movements required by opponents inevitably create an advantage for Ovechkin and the Capitals.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, a former teammate of Ovechkin, comments, `He’s likely to become the greatest goal scorer ever, making him incredibly difficult to defend. It’s about anticipating and minimizing his space, but he consistently finds it and scores.`
Gudas recalls his first game against Washington: `He scored four goals, and you just wonder, ‘How is this even possible?’’
WHAT MAKES `Board Side O` so difficult to defend? An assistant coach explains using video clips, starting with Dylan Strome, a left-handed center, winning the faceoff. Immediately after the puck drop, Ovechkin is almost on the puck.
The coach notes that Ovechkin is exceptionally quick off the mark, often moving before his opponent, creating separation—a technique perfected over his 20-year career.
Beyond initial separation, the puck is often unstable and hard to control. Yet, Ovechkin shoots on net almost instantly, without needing time for a perfect setup.
`For 99% of players in the league, a fumbled puck like that eliminates any scoring chance,` the assistant coach states. `But Ovechkin finds a way to get shots through regardless. This elite skill is unmatched in the league.`
The assistant coach shows more examples of `Board Side O` and then `Shooter Back,` highlighting their equal effectiveness from the opposite faceoff circle. On the right side, Ovechkin is positioned inside, still with a left-handed center drawing the puck towards him, and he quickly shoots another wobbly puck past the goalie.
Steven Stamkos, ranked 22nd all-time with 577 goals, points out the many elements needed for faceoff circle goals. Shooters need playmakers, space to reach the circle, and optimal positioning for east-west passes, which are tough for goalies to defend.
He adds that pass speed influences shot placement, but the ultimate goal is a shot so fast that the goalie can’t react.
Stamkos explains, `The faceoff dot area, between the hash marks, is like a quiet zone in the defensive end. For players like Ovechkin and me, it’s a successful spot we keep returning to.`
Ovechkin’s shot capability leads the assistant coach to compare him to a baseball hitter. Many NHL players only take perfectly set-up one-timers. Ovechkin shoots even with imperfect puck placement.
`If you throw a fastball down the middle, anyone can hit it,` the assistant coach says. `But what about an edge-of-the-strike-zone pitch? That’s Ovechkin’s specialty. He hits those difficult pitches.`
`He can handle imperfect passes, get pucks on net, bypass defenders, and place shots where goalies struggle to save them.`
OVECHKIN`S FACEOFF CIRCLE PRODUCTION sparks debate about what constitutes a high-danger scoring chance. With Ovechkin in the circle, it’s inherently high-danger.
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi notes, `He needs very little space. If you’re a second late, he’ll score.`
Ovechkin often finds space in the circle, drops to one knee, and unleashes a one-timer, followed by his signature celebration.
Barry Trotz, who coached Ovechkin for four seasons and won the Stanley Cup in 2018, says the Capitals` power play forces opponents to choose: focus on Ovechkin and leave others open, or cover the other four and hope Ovechkin doesn`t get the puck.
Both options are problematic. The playmaking centers will find someone else or score themselves. Puck-moving defensemen like Mike Green and John Carlson and wingers like T.J. Oshie, Alexander Semin, and Tom Wilson occupy key spaces and score frequently.
Trotz praises Ovechkin: `They’ve been great for so long, and he’s a much better passer than recognized. If he can’t shoot through, he’ll pass effectively, which is underrated.`
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh explains why penalty killers still struggle with Ovechkin.
`Players like him and Stamkos like to shoot and establish their shot, but they know blockers will be present, potentially opening passing lanes,` McDonagh says. `They can find those lanes and create scoring chances for others.`
Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy calls Ovechkin’s shot both powerful and the NHL`s hardest to track, comparing it to a fast knuckleball.
Vasilevskiy explains that while goalies train for flat, fast shots, Ovechkin’s shot movement and power are unique. It changes direction `at least three or four times` before reaching the net.
`Even a flat shot from him is hard to stop,` Vasilevskiy admits. `But a knuckleball shot is nearly impossible. You just try to position well and hope to block it. Reacting to such a shot is impossible.`
Josi adds that blocking Ovechkin’s shot is also very difficult for defensemen.
`It’s powerful, but he also knows where it’s going,` Josi says. `Often, he anticipates block attempts and finds a way around them.`
INJURIES TO BACKSTROM and Oshie, and Kuznetsov’s trade last spring, caused a Capitals transition. They still made the 2023-24 playoffs as a wild card, but their power play ranked 18th (20.6%) and goals per game 28th (2.63).
These changes affected Ovechkin’s production, resulting in his lowest goal (31) and point (65) totals in a season with over 70 games played.
This season, the Capitals lead the Eastern Conference and the NHL in goals per game (3.58), with a ninth-ranked power play (23.7% success rate).
Carbery notes, `You can’t just replace Nicklas Backstrom easily. His unique skill set is irreplaceable. Saying ‘Dylan Strome, be Backstrom’ is unfair. We had to experiment and learn. Initially, everyone suggested reverting to old successful strategies, but it doesn`t work that way.`
Strome admits that initially, he constantly looked for Ovechkin, regardless of position, similar to his approach with Patrick Kane on the Chicago Blackhawks.
However, Strome learned he could now lead the puck into the offensive zone and then find Ovechkin in various positions.
Strome explains, `Playing with someone of Ovechkin’s caliber heightens your awareness, and you naturally want to get him the puck. You aim to complement these established players who are always at their best, pushing you to perform well enough to earn your spot on their line.`
Statistics show Strome has played over 480 minutes at 5-on-5 with Ovechkin this season. Ovechkin has played 88 minutes without Strome at 5-on-5, and they`ve played over 142 power play minutes together.
Wilson, a Capital for 12 seasons, emphasizes spatial understanding when playing with Ovechkin. Since joining the team, his role has been to create space for Ovechkin or find him in open areas through consistent forechecking.
Reflecting on their time together, Wilson jokes they provided `a lot of body` for opponents. Ovechkin is 6-foot-2 and 220-238 pounds, while Wilson is 6-4 and 220 pounds.
Wilson adds, `He also creates a lot of space. Everyone expects him to shoot, but I’ve scored many goals from his passes. He often passes when least expected, finding me backdoor or in the slot. His shot is like a cheat code that opens up everything else.`
Carlson and Wilson, having seen Ovechkin score countless times, find this season particularly exciting as every arena is filled with fans eager to witness him approach the record.
The desire to assist on the record-breaking goal is evident, with players jokingly lobbying for ice time, which amuses Coach Carbery.
Carlson confirms his eagerness: `Of course! Everyone wants to be involved in that historic moment. It’s on everyone’s mind.`
Wilson concludes, `Everyone will be part of history. It doesn’t matter who scores or assists. Being able to tell my kids about it and being part of it is something unforgettable.`