Photo credit: Mike Stobe

Alex Ovechkin is scoring in all sorts of ways this season. That explains, perhaps, why he has a ridiculous 21 goals in 25 games. He’s scoring from The Ovi Spot™ on the power play. He’s scoring on deflections in front of the net. He’s scoring off faceoffs like he’s digi Ovi in a video game. He’s turning into Brett Hull’s more talented Russian brother right in front of our eyes.

On Saturday night, we got some vintage Ovi. The new stuff is cool and all, but how about some old school Ovi scoring in Ovi-time?

Tonight, after Nicklas Backstrom improbably tied up the game at two while short-handed with under a minute to go, the Great Eight was the hero in extra time.

As Mikhail Grabovski overlaps and leaves a drop pass to Ovechkin, the reigning NHL MVP crosses and goes to his off wing (in your face, Oates). After faking like he’d use the Islanders defender as a screen, Ovi dekes, gets himself some more open ice, and shoots the puck five-hole past star of My Giant Anders Nilsson.

GIFs by welshhockeyfan

“Luck was on our side this time,” Ovechkin said after the win. “I try to use D like a screen. … I make fake shot, [went to the] center [of the ice], and five hole.”

He makes it sound so easy.

A few days ago, Ovechkin absorbed a rough counter hit from Erik Karlsson. We were worried he was injured. Tonight, he attempted 11 shots, getting 7 of them on net. He also had 20:27 minutes of ice time, leading all Caps forwards. I think he’s fine.