Silbsy’s Recap: Ovechkin, Capitals Power Past Jets
The Capitals pulled off a 4-3 win.
WASHINGTON — It was all about Alex Ovechkin on Wednesday as the Washington Capitals took on the Winnipeg Jets.
He’s had milestone after milestone come against Winnipeg, from his 600th career goal to goals No. 801 and No. 802 to tie and pass Gordie Howe for second on the all-time goal list.
So, it was no surprise that, after being honored with a pregame ceremony that featured a custom 900-goal trophy and painting that incorporated every teammate he’s skated with, Ovechkin recorded his 908th career goal en route to a 4-3 win.
Here’s what to know and some quick notes from the victory.
Ovechkin has been on a tear over the course of November. He has nine goals and six assists for 15 points through 12 games, and has struck six times in the last six games as he’s put a slow start behind him. He’s on pace for 38 goals. Oh, and Comrie’s the 186th different NHL goaltender he’s scored on.
Jakob Chychrun can’t stop scoring. He has goals in four straight games, and they’re coming off absolutely ridiculous shots, and he’s also on a nine-game point streak. He’s not big into the numbers, but they are impressive and among the best in the NHL, as he’s tied with Cale Makar for the most goals this season by a defenseman.
If he keeps this going, don’t be surprised if he starts to earn notable Norris consideration.
John Carlson also scored as he continues his impressive season, with points in four of his last five games and 22 points through 23 games. He’s in the last year of his contract and still producing at a high level as he plays a key role for D.C.
A lot of credit, though, to the guy who set up Carlson in the first: Tom Wilson. He has 24 points in 24 games, the most on the Capitals, and is on a three-game point streak. At this point, given his play at both ends, I don’t know how Team Canada doesn’t put him on their final roster.
Connor McMichael had Washington’s fourth goal, going coast-to-coast and breaking away before pulling off a nice deke and sliding a backhander past Comrie. It marked his third goal of the season, and he has eight points in his last eight games.
Matt Roy had an assist, but was also clutch on defense with a team-leading six blocks.
Someone who didn’t show up on the scoresheet but had a solid showing: Dylan McIlrath. Drawing back into the lineup, the 6-foot-5 defenseman played a smart game, coming up with some nice defensive plays and puck touches while making some big hits and good blocks.
Credit to Charlie Lindgren, who has now won threse traight games. He stopped 17 of 20 in the win, and came up with a handful of clutch saves to lead D.C. to the win.