Washington Capitals: Top 3 key players to watch against Sabres
#1 Alex Ovechkin
The number one player to watch tonight is none other than Alex Ovechkin, who enters a big year. After winning the Rocket Richard Trophy last season with a league leading 48 goals, Ovechkin is determined to climb up the NHL scoring ladder and catch the great one’s record. Don’t be surprised to see him light the lamp a couple times tonight.
In 15 season opening games, Ovechkin has recorded 18 points with 11 goals and seven assists. His 11 goals in season openers is the most among active players. Only 12 players in NHL history have scored at least 12 career goals in their team’s season opening games. Ovechkin is a hat trick away from a share of the all time lead.
The Caps captain has scored 33 career goals and 51 career points against the Sabres in his career. After leading the league with 48 goals last season, Ovechkin won his third straight and NHL record ninth Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy.
There were just 13 games remaining in the season last year before the league decided to pause due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Had they finished, Ovechkin was on pace for 57 goals which would’ve been his highest goal total since 2007-08 when he scored 65 goals.
More. Washington Capitals vs. Sabres: Will the Caps start with a bang?. light
Puck drop tonight is at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.