Alex Ovechkin goes without a shot attempt for the first time in 978 career games

February 18, 2018 2:30 am

After the Caps-Blackhawks game, NBC Sports Washington published a stat that is as mind-boggling as it is cruel.

For the first time in his career, Alex Ovechkin, one of the most prolific shooters in NHL history, failed to register a shot attempt in a game. Ovechkin has played 13 seasons in the NHL, suiting up in 978 games.

According to the stat site Hockey Reference, this is the 12th time Ovechkin has failed to record a shot on goal in a game. Half of those efforts have occurred since 2017.

During his (most likely) Hall of Fame career, Ovechkin has averaged nearly five shots on goal per game (4.88). He has led the league in shots on goal in 10 of his 13 seasons in the NHL.

Saturday night against the Blackhawks, Ovechkin received 18:22 of ice time, receiving credit for four hits and four PIMs in the game.

Caps center Nicklas Backstrom also did not register a shot on goal. Tom Wilson was the only player on the Caps first line to do so. Wilson got two pucks on net and scored the Caps only goal.

Tom Wilson with a beautiful deflection in front. It's his 10th goal of the season – the first time he's ever hit double digits. #TopLineTom pic.twitter.com/F9WQKRg8IY

— Ian Oland (@ianoland) February 18, 2018