AP Photo by Mark Humphrey

“I know it’s extra pressure, but I have to play the same. If you think of pressure, it’s hard for you. I have to play the same way — play more, play better.”-Washington superstar Alexander Ovechkin after signing record 13-year $124 million contract back on Jan.13

He takes his stride gliding on the ice like the wind making defenders miss one by one before snapping a lightning rocket of a shot past another helpless goalie who may as well be naked as it lands in the back of the net top shelf.

On many a night, that is an accurate description for Washington superstar Alexander Ovechkin. In only his third professional season, the former Capitals’ 2004 first overall selection has lit up opponents like a Christmas tree.

In his team’s latest big win- 5-3 of the comeback variety over Atlanta, the electrifying 22 year-old Russian sniper was at his very best scoring twice and assisting on two other goals in leading the Caps to their fifth win in the last six drawing them even closer to the final playoff spot now occupied by Boston. Washington trails the Bruins by two points with one fewer game remaining (six to Boston’s seven).

During this month, the former 2005-06 Calder winner has been on fire. In 11 March games thus far, the NHL’s leading scorer has already posted 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points along with an impressive plus-14 rating. Just in case you’re wondering, AO has eight multi-point games this month and has also scored four power play goals and notched two game-winners hiking his total to a league best 10 for the season.

In the Mar.21 win, Ovechkin’s two goals gave him 60 in 2007-08 allowing him to become the first NHLer to hit that elusive mark since then Pens’ dynamic duo Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr did so in 1995-96 back when it was much easier to score. Especially when one considers how much better conditioned and coached the players are today along with a caliber of netminding which has never been seen before forcing the league to alter rules just to open up the game again. Seeing how the clutch and grab style is coming back, it won’t be long before we’re reevaluating things but that’s a rehashed topic for another day.

Since he inked that record deal to stay in the nation’s capital for the next 13 years, Ovechkin has been on a mission to prove that he’s worth every penny. At this point, who could argue with the results?

The Great Alexander (2007-08 season breakdown)

                                          GP      G       A    Pts   Pts/Gm   +/-   GW

Before 1/13 extension:   43      32     20    52   1.21          6        4

After 1/13 extension:     33      28     26    54   1.63       17       6

Since inking the $124 million record deal, he’s matched a season high with two five point games including his second four-goal game of the season notching the OT winner in an exciting 5-4 home win over now Eastern leading Montreal on Jan.31.

Ovechkin has posted at least two points or better in 18 contests after agreeing to the new contract. By comparison, he had 12 multiple point nights prior to a Jan.13 home defeat to the Flyers.

What I admire most about the Moscow native who already has 158 career goals along with 146 helpers for 304 points in 239 games is that he understands what his responsibilities are and seems to thrive even with all the extra pressure which comes with it.

“I don’t know. I don’t think about it. I just do my job,” the focused Russian superstar told reporters after reaching 60 goals in leading the Caps to their latest big win as they try to make the playoffs after at one point having the league’s worst record.

“I don’t think about personal goals. It’s just the team. We have to take every point we can get.”

So far, he’s more than living up his end of the bargain. With the remaining six games against the division with three more on the road starting in Raleigh at Southeast division leader Carolina Tuesday, Ovechkin must continue to lead his club if they’re to see their first postseason in five years. That’s a given. 

How great would it be for the NHL to have arguably the game’s best player in the playoffs along with Russian comrade Evgeni Malkin. Talk about a jolt for the Eastern Conference. We’ve already seen just how special Malkin can be on his own trailing Ovechkin by four points fresh off a three point night in a rout of New Jersey for the league scoring race.

There’s also that Hart race which is a pretty big deal as most likely, either player will become the first from their country to take home NHL MVP since now Ovechin veteran teammate Sergei Fedorov accomplished the feat with Detroit in 1993-94.

For now, the Ovechkin Show continues to go on for at least six more games. Hopefully, it will take it’s act to the Spring.

Sidney who?