Alex Ovechkin: Would the Real Great 8 Please Stand Up?

The Washington Capitals are looking up at eight teams if the playoffs started today. That's the bad news.

The good news is this: Even though the Caps are on their second coach this year, missing their star center (Nick Backstrom), only just got back their star defenseman (Mike Green), and have inconsistent goalie play, they are only one point out of the playoffs. Better news yet, they are one point out of first place, and a number three seed.

One thing missing from the opening paragraphs—and from the scoring race this year—is the name synonymous with Washington: Alex Ovechkin. It's hard to believe that Ovi is less than two years removed from 50 goals and 100 points. For the first time in his still-young career, Alexander the Great is producing at less than a point per game.

We can surmise that Ovechkin is missing his play-making buddy Backstrom, because his shots and hits seem to be consistent from previous years. Ovi is still flying around like a Russian wrecking ball and shooting 78 times per game, but he's not getting the feathery, silky passes from Backstrom that seemed to always have eyes for the net.

Ovechkin has developed a reputation as a fun-loving, endearing guy on and off the ice. This was something that was brought to question by Caps assistant coach and former goalie, Olaf "Olie the Goalie" Kolzig.

While the gregarious Russian loves his track suits, fast cars, yacht parties and gold chains, Kolzig thinks that Ovechkin needs to worry less about being loved and play the "exuberant hockey" we have all come to know and love. Translation: Less vodka and cabbage, more cardio.

Kolzig also comments that opponents have figured out how to "close the gap" on Ovechkin's signature end-to-end, one-on-one moves, and don't want to end up on a highlight reel. Though Olie's assessment might have rubbed some people—Ovechkin included—the wrong way, I think he's spot on.

The NHL has tolerated teams using the modified trap on defense, which eliminates the space that the elite players use to gain speed as they head up the ice. So while Ovi isn't going to end up on Sportscenter's top 10 (as often) for his end to end goals, his enthusiasm and fire are paramount for the Caps playoff hopes.

So where does Ovi go from here? Many Caps fans have pointed to regular season successes in the past, and how they've always led to early exits in the playoffs.

While I don't think the Caps are necessarily playing possum, and "saving" the good stuff for May, I'm certain that the issues with injuries and goaltending are areas of focus for the last 20 games. Goaltending was solid and Ovechkin had two assists against the sinking Maple Leafs in an impressive away game they had to win last night.

With two games in hand over Winnipeg, the Caps can get to the playoffs as an 8 seed without overly exerting themselves. In the rear view they have Buffalo and Tampa trying to scratch their way up the standings.

With the season in the balance, the Great 8 needs to strap in and lead by example.

Green is back, and getting into game shape. Backstrom is not coming back any time soon. As Ovi goes, countryman Semin follows.

Moderate the track suits and medallions, keep the industrial Russian disco music to a tolerable level, stop shaving immediately and play like your hair is on fire. Just like you used to.