Alex Ovechkin Feeling More Like Himself As Capitals Host Oilers
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has goals in back-to-back games and three of his last four overall. Can he keep it going as D.C. hosts the Oilers?
WASHINGTON — After a quick, signature shot beat Darcy Kuemper top corner back on Monday, Alex Ovechkin kissed his glove and rushed to the boards in celebration, getting on the board once again for the Washington Capitals.
It was like he never stopped scoring.
Ovechkin, who started the season on a slower note, now has goals in back-to-back games and three of his last four overall.
“I think (he looks more like himself)” coach Spencer Carbery said.
The 40-year-old’s goal was the game-winning goal in Monday’s win over the Los Angeles Kings, and it also marked his 442nd goal at Capital One Arena, moving him past Gordie Howe for the most goals scored in a single venue in NHL history.
“I mean, incredible, right?” Nic Dowd said of No. 8. “He just has such a nose for the net. He’s got 900-plus goals, so it’s easy for me to say that. But he’s just so good at putting himself in the right spot.”
Dylan Strome noticed a turning point for the captain in the third period of Saturday’s 3-2 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils, when Ovechkin got to the front and sniped home a goal to tie the game and eventually force overtime.
“It was like a different animal,” Strome noted, adding, “I thought he was outstanding, as he is most nights. Fun to play with, and it’s my job to get him the puck in better areas.”
Ovechkin will face a tall task to keep the momentum going against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, as he and the team look to jumpstart the power play and also execute more at 5-on-5.
When it comes down to it, though, the Capitals aren’t surprised to see him picking up the pace and starting to get back on track.
“He’s the G.O.A.T. He’s the best,” Dowd said.
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena. Washington will run the same lineup it did on Monday.