Who to start · 2025-26
Alex Ovechkin vs Ryan Leonard
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Alex Ovechkin projects to 1.84 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Ryan Leonard's 1.59.
Ovechkin had 64 points in 82 games; Leonard had 45 in 75 games.
This week Ovechkin has 1 game left with 1 soft matchup; Leonard has 1 left with 1 soft matchup. We project Ovechkin for 1.9 ESPN points to Leonard's 1.8.
Alex Ovechkin has the better number in 21 of the 34 stats both are ranked on.
Ovechkin's biggest edges: Offensive-zone start % 98.1%, Forecheck xG /60 0.31, Offensive-zone time 44.6%.
Leonard's biggest edges: Top skating speed 24.3, 20+ mph bursts 123, Goals above expected +0.8.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 0 PPP, 1 SOG.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 0 PPP, 3 SOG.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Alex Ovechkin
1.84
fantasy points per game
Ryan Leonard
1.59
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Alex Ovechkin has the edge.
| Points per game from | Ovechkin | Leonard |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (+2) | 0.73 | 0.63 |
| Assists (+1) | 0.43 | 0.31 |
| Power-play points (+0.5) | 0.11 | 0.09 |
| Shorthanded points (+0.5) | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Shots on goal (+0.1) | 0.29 | 0.21 |
| Hits (+0.1) | 0.16 | 0.17 |
| Blocks (+0.5) | 0.12 | 0.19 |
Per-game rates from the selected sample; blended mixes last season with this season, weighting this season more as games are played. Categories are scored as z-scores against qualified players at the same position. Your custom weights are saved in this browser only.
Head-to-head: Ovechkin vs Leonard
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2025-26 to 2026-27: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
Goals each scored with the other picking up an assist (as teammates).
On the ice together
52:47 at 5-on-5 over 16 games, 2025-26 to 2026-27
- Shot attempts
- 46–57
- 44.7%
- Expected goals
- 2.1–2.4
- 46.4%
- Goals
- 1–3
Every stat, side by side
Season values; bars are percentiles at each player's position (longer is better). Click a stat for its explainer.
Fantasy box score
Possession & shot quality (5-on-5 on-ice)
Transition, turnovers & faceoffs
Usage
Special teams & discipline
This week's schedule
Sep 28 to Oct 4. More games usually wins a weekly start/sit. Chips show how many fantasy points the opponent allows to the player's position (soft or tough), the Schedule Edge from rest and travel, and the likely opposing goalie with his save percentage. Projections use ESPN default points for the games left.
Alex Ovechkin
2games (1 left)
1.9proj. ESPN pts
- Fri, Oct 2 @ CAROpp allows 12th-fewest FP to LWLikely vs Brandon Bussi (.895)
- Sat, Oct 3 @ TBLB2B1.9 ptsOpp allows 6th-most FP to LWSchedule edge −13.3 win%Likely vs Andrei Vasilevskiy (.912)
Ryan Leonard
2games (1 left)
1.8proj. ESPN pts
- Fri, Oct 2 @ CAROpp allows 5th-fewest FP to RWLikely vs Brandon Bussi (.895)
- Sat, Oct 3 @ TBLB2B1.8 ptsOpp allows the most FP to RWSchedule edge −13.3 win%Likely vs Andrei Vasilevskiy (.912)
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Alex Ovechkin or Ryan Leonard in fantasy hockey?
- Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Alex Ovechkin projects to 1.84 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Ryan Leonard's 1.59. Ovechkin had 64 points in 82 games; Leonard had 45 in 75 games. Check this week's games and your league's scoring in the fantasy panel above, since more games usually decide a weekly start.
- Who is better, Alex Ovechkin or Ryan Leonard?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Alex Ovechkin leads in 21 of 34 stats where both qualify, from scoring and power-play production to on-ice shot share and NHL EDGE tracking.
2025-26 regular season from NHL play-by-play, shift charts and NHL EDGE, processed by Edgehalla. Head-to-head covers every loaded season (play-by-play from 2019-20; on-ice matchups from 2025-26).Compare other players →