8 Alex Ovechkin LW

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin: Sharp in preseason debut

While Ovechkin sat out Tuesday's preseason opener, he proved to be in midseason form with this performance. After having a huge weight lifted off his shoulders by winning a championship last season, Ovechkin's primed to contend for the league lead in goals and shots as usual.

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin: Taking home Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe Trophy

This was the first Stanley Cup victory in the 44-year history of the franchise, and obviously an incredible moment for The Great Eight, who had gained a reputation for being one of the league's best players still without a Cup win -- but the drought is officially over. "It's just unbelievable," Ovechkin said. "I don't know what to say, it's just unbelievable. I'm so happy, I'm probably the happiest guy. I'm so happy for my teammates, for our fans in Washington." His final output in these playoffs included 15 goals and 27 points in 24 contests, second only to teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov and his 32-point whopper in as many games.

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin: Garners helper to continue streak

The apple helped Ovi extend his point streak to five games dating back to Game 7 of the conference finals. He should be considered a legit contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy, but it's worth noting that teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov is fresh off a four-assist performance and has five more points than The Great Eight in these playoffs. Of course, Marc-Andre Fleury also deserves recognition for guiding the Golden Knights this deep into the postseason, so it may still be too early to assume a winner of that race despite Washington's 3-1 series advantage.

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin: Continues to set tone in Final

The goal was the Caps' first and helped set a strong tone. Ovie has 25 points in 22 games in the playoffs and is leading his Caps with both offence and physical play. Ovechkin is now two games from lifting Lord Stanley and if he continues his strong leadership, he might be taking the Conn Smythe home, too.

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin: Tallies assist in loss

Despite the loss, the Conn Smythe Trophy candidate continued his fantastic postseason, notching an assist while firing two shots on net. Ovechkin now has 23 points in 20 games, nine of which have come on the power play (four goals, five assists). He also leads all players in shots on goal (82), resulting in 12 goals, the second highest total from any player so far this postseason. As the Caps continue their quest for a Cup, it will be on the back of their star captain.