Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Faces Career Low Point Heading Into Olympic Break

NHL's all-time leading goal scorer will miss Olympics as Russian team barred from competing.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is heading into the Olympic break on a low note, having played a career-low 13 minutes and 15 seconds in the team's most recent game. Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, has 22 goals and 26 assists in 59 games this season, but the Capitals have been limiting his ice time to preserve his legs. With the Capitals a few points out of a playoff position, Ovechkin will get some much-needed rest during the Olympic break.

Why it matters

Ovechkin's reduced playing time and the Capitals' struggle to make the playoffs this season represent a rare low point in the career of one of the NHL's all-time greats. As the league returns to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, Ovechkin will be forced to watch from the sidelines due to the Russian team's ban from competing.

The details

In the Capitals' most recent game, a 4-2 win, Ovechkin played just 13 minutes and 15 seconds, the lowest ice time of his career in a game where he was not injured or ejected. The Capitals have been trying to limit Ovechkin's defensive zone time and usage to preserve his legs, which has led to nights where he gets extra rest. Despite the reduced playing time, Ovechkin still has 22 goals and 26 assists in 59 games this season.

  • On February 6, 2026, Ovechkin played a career-low 13:15 minutes in the Capitals' 4-2 win.
  • The NHL is heading back to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, but the Russian team is not allowed to compete.

The players

Alex Ovechkin

The Washington Capitals star is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer with 919 goals and counting.

Washington Capitals

The NHL team that Ovechkin has played for his entire career, which is currently a few points out of a playoff position.

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What they’re saying

“Alex Ovechkin skated just 13:15 minutes tonight for the Capitals. Lowest ice time of his career in a game where he wasn't hurt/ejected.”

— Sammi Silber, Hockey Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

With the Capitals a few points out of a playoff position, Ovechkin will have work to do after the Olympic break to help his team secure a postseason berth.

The takeaway

Ovechkin's reduced playing time and the Capitals' struggle to make the playoffs this season represent a rare low point in the career of one of the NHL's all-time greats, who will also miss the Olympics due to the Russian team's ban from competing.