Alex Ovechkin has cemented his legacy as he guided the Washington Capitals to the 2018 Stanley Cup, the franchise’s first. He was named the Conn Smythe of this season’s playoffs.
Ovechkin’s career is full of accolades, including seven Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophies and three Hart trophies (regular season MVP), but a Stanley Cup was missing from his Hall of Fame career. Until now.
His 15 goals led the NHL playoffs this year. His 15th coming in the closeout Game 5 to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights. With the Conn Smythe, Ovechkin joins an elite company of players who have three Hart trophies (regular season MVP) and a Conn Smythe (playoff MVP).
Alex Ovechkin takes home the Conn Smythe Trophy as postseason MVP
Ovechkin is the 4th player with 3 Hart Trophies (regular season MVP) and a Conn Smythe pic.twitter.com/kkJWgznFqy
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 8, 2018
Fitting Ovechkin’s name appears on a list with Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr, as he is arguably the best player of his generation. He certainly got the monkey off his back and now he can be celebrated like those of his stature in the sport.
