Alex Ovechkin’s one-timer has been a wonder of the NHL for two decades, leaving goalies bewildered and fans in awe. So, what makes this shot so effective? According to Capitals coach Spencer Carbery, it’s “pretty traditional” but uniquely dangerous when executed by Ovechkin.
The key to his success lies in his ability to adjust his position to ensure the puck arrives in the right spot. Unlike most players who need the puck to land flat and within a few inches of their back foot, Ovechkin has a much larger working area, thanks to Carbery’s description of his “wheelhouse.”
Ovechkin’s wind-up is also crucial, with Carbery noting that once contact happens, it’s the uniqueness of Alex. The force generated by Ovechkin’s physical strength and the curve on his stick blade produce a shot that comes off like none other.
The curve on Ovechkin’s stick, known as a toe curve, adds an unpredictable element to his shot. When he doesn’t make contact at the center of the curve or shoots the puck when it’s on end and rolling rather than flat, the puck behaves more like a knuckleball, dipping and diving towards the net.
“It’s fast. Like, real fast,” said Marc-Andre Fleury, who has allowed more goals to Ovechkin than any other goalie. “Sometimes, I feel like, a little bit unpredictable, too, because of that big curve.”
Despite variations in explanation from goalies, one thing is clear: Ovechkin’s one-timer remains an unbreakable part of his success and a key element of his mystique. At 39 years old, it continues to leave fans wondering how he still manages to do this at the highest level.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/interactive/2025/alex-ovechkin-shot-gretzky-goals-record