Alex Ovechkin’s two goals on Monday night meant the 34-year-old surpassed Teemu Selanne (684) on the NHL’s all-time goal list as the 15- year veteran moved into sole possession of 11th place.
Two first period goals from Alex Ovechkin erased the disappointment of Saturdays 5-1 loss to Devils as the Washington Capitals beat the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0 at the Capital One Arena.
Rookie goaltender llya Samsonov recorded his first ever NHL shutout making 23 saves. Whilst Tom Wilson capped his 500th NHL game with the primary assist on Ovechkin’s first goal of the night.
The Florida Hurricanes came into the game having won five of a seven-game homestand. The loss is the third straight defeat on the road for the Canes.
llya Samsonov proved once again why many believe the 22-year-old has the potential to become one of the best in the game between the pipes with two outstanding saves during the first period. The first, a point-blank glove save denied Jordan Martinook, then midway through the first period during a two-on-one Teuvo Teravainen.
A strong forecheck along the boards by Alex Ovechkin followed by a give-and-go with Tom Wilson (who played the puck between the legs of Ryan Dzingels) resulted in the opening goal of the game on 11.58
The Capitals doubled their advantage during the teams third power-play of the game (Dougie Hamilton, delay of game) Jakub Vrana placed a cross-ice pass to Ovechkin (following a battle for the puck along the boards) for his 28th goal of the season with a thunderous slapshot stick side of Petr Mrazek.
The Capitals spent the majority of the second period fending off the Canes advances along with three minor penalties. Dougie Hamilton, Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen all thwarted by llya Samsonov.
Carl Hagelin had the opportunity to extend the Capitals lead in the third period during an odd-man rush only to be denied by Pete Mrazek. The Caps failed to make the most of two more power-play opportunities, including 45 seconds of 5-on-3. In search of a lifeline, the Canes pulled Mrazek (28 saves) with 3.15 to go, a decision that proved fruitless as they failed to register a shot on goal.
Up Next
The Florida Hurricanes head to the Nationwide Arena to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets, whist the Washington Capitals entertains the Devils for the second time in five days.
For more like this, visit our dedicated NHL page here. Meanwhile, follow us on Facebook for more opinions and analysis right to your timeline.