Photo credit: Paul Chiasson

Admit it: over the last few years you’ve given Alex Ovechkin some grief. From his not-so friendly communication with his coaches to skipping the All-Star game, The Great Eight has generated more heel heat than B.P. Richfield from The Dinosaurs. The dwindling goal totals haven’t helped either.

On Tuesday night, Ovi completed his epic return to glory, scoring his league-leading (for about an hour) 26th goal with his fanciest move of the season. After throwing the puck through Michael Ryder’s legs, Ovi wristed a shot just beyond the circles and past Carey Price. It’s the first time Ovi’s led the NHL goals since… um… how about the early 80’s?

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Ovechkin is now receiving media attention as a potential Hart trophy winner, and boy does he deserve it. He’s mastered a (at first difficult) switch to the right wing and was moved to the right circle on the power play. Ovechkin has responded with 14 power play goals — the most he’s scored in a single season since 2008-09 — and more shots. Ovi has put the puck on net more than any other player in the NHL.

If this were a full 82-game season, Ovi would be on pace to break the 50-goal plateau for the first time since 2009-10.

Ovi, you rule. Now let’s enjoy GIFs of his sweet goal tonight, lovingly crafted by the mega-talented welshhockeyfan.

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