Latest news with #AlexOvechkin
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Despite Alex Ovechkin and Brad Marchand in spotlight, NHL faces major scoring drop and viewership crash in 2024-25
NHL's 2024-25 season fell short on goals and viewers (Image via: Getty Images) The 2024-25 NHL season delivered big moments from Alex Ovechkin's chase for Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record to Brad Marchand's dramatic shift to the Florida Panthers after 16 years with the Boston Bruins. Yet, while stars were shining, the league's deeper numbers told a more troubling story. 2024-25 NHL season sees significant decline in goal scoring For a league that has worked hard to move past the low-scoring 'Dead Puck Era,' the latest stats raise alarms. Only 7,978 goals were scored league-wide this season—down from 8,168 in 2024 and 8,343 in 2023. Powerplay opportunities also dropped sharply, with 816 fewer powerplays than in 2024 and nearly 1,000 fewer than in 2023. Naturally, this has impacted scoring, especially in 5-on-5 situations where goals have noticeably dipped. The number of elite point producers also declined. In 2023, 11 players hit the 100-point mark; in 2025, only six reached that milestone. The 90+ point club also shrunk from 19 players in 2023 to just 12 this past season. These numbers suggest a significant drop in offensive output across the league. FREEFALL: NHL Playoff Viewership CRASHES 27% While NBA Ratings SOAR, Hockey MISSED A Golden Chance! How back-to-back games and fewer penalties are hurting NHL scoring One major factor cited by analysts like Jason Gregor is the performance of teams in the second half of back-to-back games. Western Conference teams had just a .401 win percentage in those situations, compared to .434 for Eastern Conference clubs. Seattle Kraken stood out, losing all 12 of their second-half back-to-back matchups. Less rest, more travel, and fewer penalties being called may have all contributed to slower play and lower scoring. The lack of enforcement on infractions has arguably taken away many of the powerplay chances that fuel goal production. FAQs Why did NHL scoring drop in the 2024-25 season? NHL scoring declined due to a combination of factors, including fewer powerplay opportunities, tired teams in back-to-back games, and less aggressive officiating. These changes reduced high-scoring chances and affected overall offensive output. Which teams were most affected by the scoring slump? Teams like the Seattle Kraken struggled significantly, especially in the second game of back-to-backs. Only 11 teams finished with a .500 or better record in those matchups, showing a league-wide trend of fatigue and lower scoring. How bad was the NHL's viewership decline in 2024-25? TV ratings dropped noticeably, even for marquee matchups. A key example was the Capitals vs. Hurricanes game in April, which averaged just 186,000 viewers despite Alex Ovechkin's historic chase. NHL suffers significant TV viewership decline during 2024-25 season Perhaps even more concerning than the on-ice stats is the dip in fan engagement. Major markets like Chicago and New York saw local TV ratings fall, despite strong narratives like Ovechkin's historic pursuit. A much-anticipated Washington vs. Carolina game in April drew just 186,000 average viewers on TNT and truTV—well below expectations for a high-profile matchup. Also Read: TJ Oshie puts $9.85M D.C. home up for sale, fueling retirement uncertainty and Capitals exit rumors There were some bright spots—teams like the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks saw improved viewership—but overall, the league struggled to keep fans watching. As the NHL looks ahead to 2025-26, addressing these concerns will be critical to maintaining momentum both on the ice and in the stands. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Japan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Times
Ovechkin calls for Russian return to global sports
Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, called for Russian athletes to be allowed to compete at the world's top sporting events again, as he was greeted by hundreds of adoring fans during a visit to Moscow on Saturday. The Washington Capitals superstar received a jubilant reception during his first trip home since scoring his 895th goal last April to overtake the previous record held by Canadian legend Wayne Gretzky. "I hope that in the near future we will be allowed to participate and the guys will be able to take part in Olympiads and world championships to represent their country," he said. Surrounded by swarms of journalists and ecstatic fans, he walked along a high-end street in Moscow which had been decked out with "Ovechkin 8" hockey jerseys and signs reading "eternal record." Russians have had little opportunity to celebrate international sporting success over the past three years, having been kicked out of a host of competitions over the Kremlin's war in Ukraine. But Ovechkin's triumph offered them a rare chance to do so. Hundreds of fans lined up for an autograph at an outdoor ice rink, which serves as a soccer pitch during warm months. This rink in a typical Moscow suburb is where the 39-year-old left-winger took the first steps toward his illustrious career. The rink stands out from the gray high-rise apartment blocks surrounding it, after having been carefully renovated by a sponsor, replete with a massive sign reading "eternal record 895" freshly painted on its surface. Antonina Mikhailova, an IT manager wearing Ovechkin's jersey, said: "Whatever happens in the world, sport has no borders." "That would be epic, we must do that!" insisted Fyodor Troshin, an amateur hockey player also waiting for Ovechkin, of the prospect of Russian athletes returning to international sport events. "People like Alexander Ovechkin are bringing Russian sport closer to (international) leagues," the 40-year-old added. Despite his prowess on the ice, Ovechkin's politics and Russian connections have stoked some controversy, as he has been a prominent supporter of Vladimir Putin's 25-year rule, even after troops were sent to Ukraine. In a political balancing act, Ovechkin has not denounced Moscow's Ukraine offensive, but he has also carefully veered away from supporting it — despite knowing such a move would be welcomed by Putin. "I felt proud of what we achieved," Ovechkin said of breaking Gretzky's mark.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Maple Leafs have completed their $10.5 million Mitch Marner replacement project
The Toronto Maple Leafs seemed to know from early in the offseason that Mitch Marner wouldn't be back. That created an interesting project: How do you replace a two-way star like that? As they once said in the move Moneyball, it's about "replacing him in the aggregate." Marner made $10.9 million last season. The Maple Leafs have added a quartet of players worth $10.5 million for the upcoming season. Here's the breakdown: MORE: Alex Ovechkin gives a big update on his retirement plans Maccelli, Joshua, Roy and Pezzetta give the Maple Leafs a variety of skillsets. None is Marner, but there's a mix of grit and skill among those four guys. Toronto may not have Marner, but the expectations won't lower. So the Maple Leafs will do everything they can to make some noise anyway. MORE NHL NEWS: Avalanche's failed winger leaving for KHL Blue Jackets lose 1st-round pick to Russia for at least 4 years Red Wings forward announces shock NHL retirement at age 28 Lightning legend retires after 2 Stanley Cups Jack Eichel bashes the Sabres with unnecessary stray Rangers center retires after 12 NHL seasons due to knee injuries
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ovechkin Speaks On Future Again, Potential Of Signing Extension With Capitals
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said he and the team are in a "wait and see" approach when it comes to potentially signing a new extension.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Alex Ovechkin wins 2025 ESPY Award for Best Record-Breaking Performance
(Image via Getty Images: Alexander Ovechkin with Wayne Gretzky) ESPN presented the 2025 ESPY Awards on Wednesday night, live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. First things first, what does ESPY stand for? Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly. We all know the 2024-2025 NHL season was Alex Ovechkin's season. The Washington Capitals' captain broke The Great One, Wayne Gretzky's record of most career NHL goals - 894. He scored the 895th career NHL goal against the New York Islanders on April 6, 2025, and became the NHL's all-time leader in goals. For this iconic goal, Ovechkin received the 2025 ESPY Award for Best Record-Breaking Performance. Alex Ovechkin wins ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance | 2025 ESPYS Alex Ovechkin wins the 2025 ESPY Award and thanks Wayne Gretzky for it Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion, and Brooks Nader, SI Swimsuit model, were the presenters of the 2025 ESPY Award for Best Record-Breaking Performance. Logano announced the winner, 'And the ESPY goes to - Alexander Ovechkin!' Nader then announced, 'Alex couldn't be here tonight, but he sends his message.' A screen presented Alex Ovechkin's video message. He said, 'Hey, everyone, I'm sorry I can't be there, but I'm back home and getting ready for next season. I just wanna say huge thanks to all the fans. Your support means everything to me and my family. To my coaches, teammates, and the entire Capitals organization. Thank you for all your support. We accomplished something special this season, and we did it together. A special thank you to Wayne Gretzky and his family for always being there for me, and to my wife, kids, and the whole family, thank you for everything. See you soon, guys. Take care.' Fans react to Alexander Ovechkin winning the 2025 ESPY Award after breaking Wayne Gretzky's record One Instagram user wrote, 'Gives me the chills every time.' Another IG user wrote, 'Good he deserved it, he broke a record that everyone thought was untouchable he did something very difficult scored 897 goals in the hardest era to score in.' A fan confidently commented, 'I mean who else in other sports would've won this.' An X user called the Capitals captain - G.O.A.T. - Greatest Of All Time - '🐐OVI.' Another user noticed, 'So stoked he didn't show up. ' A third user congratulated, 'Congrats to Ovi! Absolute legend.' Also Read: Buffalo Sabres call Ottawa Senators plain—the Senators reply with an okay | NHL News - Times of India Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
