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5d ago

Ovechkin's OT Heroics Propel Capitals to Game 1 Victory Over Canadiens

Alex Ovechkin scored twice, including his first career playoff overtime goal, as Washington took a 1-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

Apr 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) chase the puck during the overtime period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 21, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN;Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) celebrates a goal against the St. Louis Blues with Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) in the first period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
Apr 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Kings center Phillip Danault (24) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers in the second period of game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Capitals defeated the Canadiens 3-2 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, with Alex Ovechkin scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.
  • Ovechkin's overtime goal marked the first of his NHL playoff career and his 74th career postseason goal, placing him 14th all-time in playoff scoring.
  • He also opened the game's scoring with a power-play goal, tying Mario Lemieux for the seventh-most playoff power-play goals in NHL history with 29.
  • Washington's victory is their first playoff win since 2022, as they aim to overcome a five-year streak of first-round exits following their 2018 Stanley Cup triumph.
  • The Canadiens, one of the youngest teams in NHL playoff history, rallied to force overtime but fell short despite strong performances from Nick Suzuki and goaltender Sam Montembeault.