The Capitals captain hasn't scored in 10 games, but Carbery said all it takes is one night to turn things around.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Alex Ovechkin doesn't let much get to him. The Washington Capitals captain, who is in the throes of the longest goal drought of his career, remains in high spirits at Wednesday's practice, wearing a wide smile and trying to lead his group by example.

And for head coach Spencer Carbery, his continued positivity is business as usual, because, despite the 10-game slump, he's still vintage "Ovi" — and all it takes is one night — 60 minutes — for the floodgates to open.

"He's in a good headspace," Carbery said. "He feels as confident as ever and knows that it's only a matter of time before some of these chances start falling for him."

Connor McMichael offered a warning for his teammate, saying to never bet against the "Big Man," the nickname the 6-3, 238-pound winger is affectionately known by in the room.

"Once he finds the back of the net, it could be a 10-game stretch where he's just scoring and scoring," McMichael said. "You never want to count him out, and I don't think it'd be a smart idea to do that."

This season hasn't gone according to plan for Ovechkin, as he has just five goals in 25 games and is on pace to finish with under 20 for the first time in his career.

At the same time, the pressure is on — and it takes a toll. He's not only in the midst of a monumental pursuit as he chases down Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record of 894, but he's also facing the tall task of helping the city return to the playoffs under a new head coach.

He sits 68 goals away from officially becoming the NHL's greatest goal scorer ever to play. But to get to that point, he needs to recapture that spark.

"If I have a chance to put the puck in I have to, you know?" Ovechkin said bluntly last week.

For Carbery, it's cliche, but honest: if he wants to break out, it's all about trusting the process.

"Focus on the process. Focus on getting yourself into those spots. Focus on having an O-zone shift, being good with your touches, and I think he knows that," Carbery said. "He knows that his opportunity and shots will eventually start falling. And I think once they start, to [McMichael's] point, that could snowball."