The Washington Capitals lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning by a final of 3-1. Alex Ovechkin would score the only goal of the contest and all eyes will continue to be on him as he chases NHL history.
11 away from greatness
Alex Oveckin's goal came at the 16:01 mark of the third period to get the Caps back into the game briefly before the Bolts put it away with an empty net goal. It was Ovechkin's 31st goal of the season. Matt Roy set him up for his 18th assist on the year. It was goal number 884 of his storied career.
"There's going to be ups and downs and I don't think we played bad this game," said Ovechkin. "It's just a matter of time. We have to bounce back right away next game. We just have to respond and I'm sure we're going to play differently next game to give ourselves an opportunity."
"It's a long season, long year. Lots of games ahead. We just have to forget (about the loss) and move on. "Alex Ovechkin
For Matt Roy, it was his 100th career assist and he did it on his birthday. Nothing like setting up Alex Ovechkin for a historic goal on your speical day. There are 22 games remaining as Ovi has scored five goals in his past five games and Spencer Carbery has taken notice.
"He's finishing at a real high rate coming out of the break. And I think his play and chemistry and the whole product of our group, whether that's his line or the power play, will continue to improve."Spencer Carbery
Since Feb. 5, 2024, Ovechkin has 53 goals in his past 79 games. Only Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl has more in that stretch with 62. What we are watching every night from Ovechkin whether the team wins or doesn't is truly remarkable. And the fact he's doing this at 39 means he could potentially flirt with his goals winding up being in the 900s or close to 1,000 when he does decide to hang up his NHL skates.
There's this thing about sports uniting a community. Nobody has united the DMV quite like Alex Ovechkin. In a football city, he became the talk of the town for the last decade. He became an even bigger part of the talk once he won the Cup in 2018 and walked the walk in the form of excessively celebrating in the Georgetown fountains.
Now he's walking the walk in the form of scoring goals and being 11 away is prime territory for Ovechkin. He could reach the record later this month or in early April if he can keep up this torrid pace.
Ovechkin and the Caps are back in action on Monday night at 6:30 p.m. on Monumental Sports Network 2 when they host the Ottawa Senators.