WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin, already a legend in hockey, with a Stanley Cup victory for the Washington Capitals in 2018, three Hart Trophies as the league`s most valuable player, and recently surpassing Wayne Gretzky`s all-time goal record, has added another achievement to his storied career.
The one milestone that had eluded him until now was scoring a playoff overtime goal.
Ovechkin checked off this career first by scoring 2:26 into overtime on Monday night against the Montreal Canadiens. This goal was his second of the playoff game opener and his 74th postseason goal throughout his impressive two decades in the NHL, but remarkably, his first in 45 games that went into overtime.
“Forty-five games, I know — 45 overtime games,” commented center Dylan Strome. `It`s fantastic. It`s not really a surprise that he was the one to get it. He’s been incredible all season. It was a great pass from Anthony Beauvillier, and an even better finish by ‘O.’ I believe he hit it out of mid-air, which makes it an exceptional goal.”
Ovechkin modestly called it “just another goal,” but this overtime winner highlighted a classic performance from the 39-year-old winger, who also led Washington with seven hits and scored a power-play goal in the later stages of the first period.
“He came up with crucial plays for us tonight, was physically engaged, and really set the tone,” said coach Spencer Carbery. “He took the initiative and motivated everyone into the fight.”
