Capitals fans are seeing red, and for good reason. When the NHL Network dropped its annual top 50 players list for the 2024-25 season, they expected to see Alex Ovechkin ranked among hockey’s elite.
Instead, they got a slap in the face that has Washington faithful questioning everything about the rankings.
Why Did NHL Network Rank Alex Ovechkin Dead Last at Number 50?
The disrespect couldn’t be more obvious. Despite Alex Ovechkin’s exceptional performance in 2024-25, posting 73 points (44 goals, 29 assists) in just 65 games, NHL Network buried him at the bottom of their rankings.
The 39-year-old captain didn’t just produce at an elite level; he made history. With his 895th career goal against the Islanders, Ovechkin officially surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s legendary mark of 894 goals. Yet somehow, the Network found 49 players they deemed better than the man who just became hockey’s all-time leading scorer.
When NHL Network revealed the numbers 41-50 portion of their top 50 list, Capitals fans expected Ovechkin to rank much higher. Instead, he came in dead last at number 50, sparking immediate outrage over what fans saw as blatant disrespect.
How Are Fans Responding to This Controversial Ranking?
The reaction has been swift and fierce. Social media exploded with angry Capitals supporters defending their captain and questioning the Network’s hockey knowledge.
One fan angrily wrote, “That’s ridiculously low for a player that scored 44 goals and over a point per game in only 65 games last season.” The numbers back up the frustration. Ovechkin’s 44 goals tied him for third-most in the league, trailing only Leon Draisaitl (52) and William Nylander (45).
The criticism got even more pointed from there.
Another fan wrote, “Pfft, these guys pretend to know puck while simultaneously saying there are 49 players better than the GOAT? Come on now!” The comment captures the widespread belief among fans that Ovechkin deserved far better treatment.
Even considering the Capitals’ second-round playoff exit against the Hurricanes, fans argue that Ovechkin’s individual performance should have earned him a much higher spot. As one supporter wrote, “Ovi at number 50 is a crime, top 20 even at his age.”
What Makes This Ranking Even More Insulting?
The context surrounding Ovechkin’s 2024-25 campaign makes the ranking particularly galling for Capitals fans. The veteran forward missed 16 games while recovering from a fractured left fibula, yet still managed to post another 40-plus goal season. That production level at age 39, while dealing with a significant injury, should command respect.
One fan perfectly captured the absurdity of the situation in an all-caps rant that went viral. They tweeted, “IS THIS A JOKE PLEASE TELL ME. INJURED FOR OVER A MONTH WAS SECOND IN LEAGUE IN GOALS AND LED TEAM TO BEST RECORD IN THE EAST BAHAHAHA.”
The fan highlighted a crucial point that makes the ranking even more questionable. Despite missing significant time, Ovechkin helped lead the Capitals to the top of the Metropolitan Division. That combination of individual excellence and team success typically earns players recognition, not relegation to the bottom of top-50 lists.
The most damning criticism centers on the comparative aspect. Fans note that many players ranked ahead of Ovechkin had neither deeper playoff runs than the Capitals nor the individual numbers that “Ovi” posted.