NEW YORK — Alex Ovechkin scored his 885th career goal to equalize the game in the third period, and Tom Wilson netted the overtime winner as the Washington Capitals fought back to defeat the New York Rangers 3-2 on Wednesday night.
With his latest goal, Ovechkin moved within nine goals of Wayne Gretzky’s historic NHL record. Pierre-Luc Dubois also contributed to the Capitals’ scoreboard tally, while goalie Charlie Lindgren made 15 saves, helping Washington secure their second consecutive victory.
The Rangers’ goals came courtesy of Artemi Panarin and Sam Carrick, with goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin stopping 23 shots. Entering the match in a playoff position for the first time since December 11, the Rangers tasted defeat for only the second time in their last six games.
In the overtime segment, Wilson redirected a pass from Dylan Strome during a 2-on-1 break, initiated after Strome maneuvered past a sprawling defender.
Dubois got the Capitals off to a swift start with a goal just 1:04 into the game, marking his 16th of the season and third in four outings. Prior to this, the Rangers had successfully thwarted their opponents for 134:43 minutes, registering consecutive shutouts against Nashville and the New York Islanders.
Takeaways:
The Capitals: Washington emerged from a shootout win against Ottawa on Monday, which had broken a three-game losing streak. They needed extra time once again to clinch another victory.
The Rangers: New York was aiming for their first three-game winning streak since mid-November but fell short. They also completed the season series without a win against the Capitals.
Key moment:
Mika Zibanejad attempted to pass to J.T. Miller, but Washington’s John Carlson blocked Miller’s positioning. Wilson then seized the opportunity, initiating the decisive 2-on-1 break towards the goal in overtime.
Key stat:
Washington was flagged for their league-leading 11th too-many-men penalty early in the second period.
Up next:
The Capitals will host Detroit on Friday, beginning a two-game homestand, while the Rangers will travel to Ottawa for a Saturday matchup.
