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Capitals: Top 3 key players to watch against Penguins

ByMichael Marzzacco|
OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 31: Washington Capitals Defenceman Dmitry Orlov (9) celebrates a goal with teammates during third period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 31, 2020, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 31: Washington Capitals Defenceman Dmitry Orlov (9) celebrates a goal with teammates during third period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 31, 2020, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) in the face off circle during a NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 19, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) in the face off circle during a NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 19, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Alex Ovechkin

Alex Ovechkin scored twice on Friday night to bring his career total to 695. He’s getting closer to 700 and it’s not if but when will the Great Eight reach the number. Ovechkin’s first goal came on a shot from the right face-off circle, an odd spot considering his office is usually left side. His second was an empty netter to seal a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.

Ovechkin also scored in Wednesday night’s defeat to the Nashville Predators. He’s scored in his last five games a total of 11 goals and was named the NHL’s First Star of the Month for January.

Ovechkin’s second goal moved him past Mark Messier for eighth place on the NHL’s all-time goals scored list. Ovechkin’s 13 goals in 10 games are tied for the fourth most goals a player has scored in a month in 10 or fewer games since 1979-80.

Ovechkin has scored 11 goals in his last five games, a first in his career and the second time a player older than 34 has done so. It is also the first time he’s had multi-goal performances in the span of five appearances. He’s hungry for 700 and it may come this week at the rate he’s going.

Puck drop is at 12:30 p.m. on NBC. Enjoy the game.

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