WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin has achieved almost everything there is in hockey, from guiding the Washington Capitals to a Stanley Cup victory in 2018 to being named the league MVP three times, not to mention surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals in NHL history.
However, until now, one achievement had eluded him — scoring a playoff goal in overtime.
Ovechkin finally put an end to that narrative by netting a goal 2:26 into overtime on Monday night against the Montreal Canadiens. That goal marked his second of the playoff opener and brought his total to 74 postseason goals over his 20-year career. Notably, this also marked his first goal in 45 playoff games that extended into overtime.
Teammate Dylan Strome commented on the milestone, saying, “Forty-five games, I know — 45 overtime games.” He added, “It’s great. Not really surprised that he got that one. He’s been on a tear all year. Great pass by (Anthony Beauvillier) and great finish by ‘O.’ I think it was out of the air, so it was a great finish.”
Ovechkin remarked humbly that “a goal is a goal,” yet the overtime winner underscored a standout performance by the 39-year-old veteran, who also led the team with seven hits and scored on the power play in the first period.
Coach Spencer Carbery praised Ovechkin’s contribution, saying, “He made a couple of big plays for us tonight, was physical, set the tone. He was leading the charge and dragging guys into the fight.”
Longtime teammate Tom Wilson was surprised by the news of Ovechkin’s achievement and quickly shifted to recognizing his impact. “It’s unbelievable. He’s obviously led us all year. He’s led us for the last 20 seasons for what he’s done for this team. He just continues to step up, man. He’s a playoff player. He does everything.”
Newcomer Anthony Beauvillier found it “kind of crazy” that it took so long for Ovechkin to score an overtime playoff goal. Those familiar with his career know that he often rises to the occasion.
“Guy’s the best player in the world,” goaltender Logan Thompson stated. “What else can you say? He comes in clutch today, all game. He had a part in all those goals. It’s awesome to see. It’s a privilege to be his teammate.”
Ovechkin’s power-play goal mirrored his historic shot for goal No. 895 from the familiar left faceoff circle.
“Pretty similar, eh?” Strome mused. “That’s what we said when we got back to the bench.”
Wilson, who assisted on both goals, noted the similarity. “It looked pretty familiar,” Wilson said. “When I see him get some space, you just want to put it on his tape, and he can score from anywhere.”
Ovechkin also made his presence felt physically, opening the game with a powerful hit on Montreal’s Mike Matheson just 20 seconds in and maintaining that intensity throughout the match.
“He’s a beast,” Wilson commented. “He’s a machine. He’s out there creating energy for our team, scoring. … That’s what a leader does. It’s one thing to be good all season long, but the guys that show up and hit and block shots and lead the team, that’s why he’s a legend.”