Early in the 2024-25 NHL season, the Washington Capitals pulled off a bombshell when they moved their longtime captain, Alex Ovechkin, to right wing. It's a position Ovechkin has never played professionally after making his successful career along the left wall of the rink. He said it hasn't been easy to adjust. On Tuesday night, in his first game in his new position, Ovechkin recorded multiple points showing he can adapt, even if he struggled at times.
The Capitals' next game was a win against the Dallas Stars as well. Ovechkin had no points scored in the 3-2 victory. Much quieter on the scoresheet, the success as a team may suggest it pays off for the lineup changes Washington has made. His transition into his new role will be an interesting storyline throughout the season.
In the meantime, away from the ice, Ovechkin's wife Anastasia Shubskaya is also learning to live life with her superstar husband. Of late, she gave a sneak peek of what it was like when on dates with the NHL legend. On Ovechkin's Instagram Stories, she humorously captured how during dinner, one seated nearby in a posh restaurant was a fan donning an Ovechkin jersey. It poignantly highlighted the peculiar challenge of keeping private when you happen to be the spouse of one of the league's most celebrated players.
Anastasia's light-hearted post revealed the reality of their public life, the dynamic that they have balanced since 2016 when the couple married. Their two sons, Sergei and Ilya, have been able to maintain a good balance between Ovechkin's public persona and private family life. Though not always easy to stay away from the spotlight, Anastasia has been a very strong, supportive partner in helping Ovechkin with his highly demanding career.
The whole ice journey of Alex Ovechkin speaks to the greatest degree about his personal life: it is all about constant readjustments and team spirit. And continuing to adjust to his new role with the Capitals, the gratitude to Anastasia for her support was clearly expressed. While the demands of fame were relentless, their ability to negotiate it together has been their key to professional and personal success.
POLL | ||
Will Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky's goal record this season? | ||
Yes | 32 | 19.6 % |
No | 131 | 80.4 % |
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