NHL Midseason Report Card: A look at Alex Ovechkin so far

The unfortunate part of Alex Ovechkin slowing down is weird and awkward for us all as Washington Capitals observers and fans. But there was some cues that he was going to score last night. Prior to that power play goal last night against the Florida Panthers, Ovechkin was speakng to the referee.

Of course he wasn't mic'd up so none of us could really tell what he was saying. But after the ref told the Great Eight his point, Ovechkin cracked a smile on his face. That smile was because the Caps would go to the power play, an area they've struggled in all season but can turn around as long as Ovechkin gets hot.

What happened next was a good taped pass from Rasmus Sandin right to the Ovi office for a PPG to give the Caps an early 1-0 lead. We don't celebrate moral vicotries at this stage of this season but that was a confidence booster for Ovi. And he also scored in Dallas before the bye week and all star break.

It's almost like the 38 year old father of two just simply needed a vacation with his family to get his head straight. He not only scored in Dallas but he also scored the other night in a home ice loss to Montreal.

So 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points isn't the worst thing in the world. But it's not the Ovechkin standard. And when anyone doesn't seem like themselves while playing the game the answer is working harder.

The 22 assists is also a pretty good number when you think about it. Looking at those numbers he had 33 assists last season and 40 the year before. But the reality is that Ovechkin has 11 goals. But he can get going. Those that follow us know we do end of season report cards too so Ovi's benchmark grade right now is a C. And If he plays better in the second half of the season, that C changes upwards.