Alex Ovechkin on pace to miss perennial achievement.

Few things are certain in the NHL, but Alexander Ovechkin winning the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy is usually a bet to take.

But not this season.

The Washington Capitals' captain is having  bit of a down season after topping the 50-goal plateau in each of the last three seasons. Through 52 games, Ovechkin's posted 25 goals, leaving him with the second-lowest goals-per-game pace of his career (0.48).

This isn't the first time Ovie's production has slipped, as he finished with 32 and 38 goals in two other seasons (2010-11 and 2011-12). Those are the only two years where Ovechkin managed less than 45 goals while playing nearly a full season.

After pure domination over the last three seasons, Ovechkin would have to tally 25 goals in 30 games to reach his usual mark.

While it looks like Sidney Crosby will be the one to take home the hardware, Ovechkin could have some extra motivation to give him a run for his money down the stretch.

[pub]