Thursday, January 24, 2013
Ovechkin's shift to the right
By Victoria Matiash
UPDATE: The trial may be over -- for the immediate future, anyway.
Katie Carrera of the Washington Post reports the Washington Capitals appear to be shifting Alex Ovechkin back to left wing. During Thursday morning practice, Ovechkin skated on the left of center Nicklas Backstrom and winger Wojtek Wolski.
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Forward Alex Ovechkin could launch the 2012-13 season in a new spot. As discussed by Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca, Ovechkin could shift from left to right wing on the top line for the Washington Capitals.
"... Interesting development on the first day of Washington Capitals practice as Alexander Ovechkin lined up on right wing. Rookie head coach Adam Oates told reporters that the captain suggested the idea in a head-to-head meeting and believes the responsibilities of his defensive system will make it easier on Ovechkin to play there. I'm intrigued to see this. It's certainly time for a diversification of his game ..."
The move makes sense, since the Capitals have more depth on the left side than the right -- especially with Alexander Semin (Carolina Hurricanes) gone.
