Ovechkin Plays Hero as Capitals Win Streak Extends to 7
The Washington Capitals beat the New York Rangers for the first time this season Friday night. Through two periods the Caps were down 1-0 and two late goals from Alex Ovechkin provided the offense they needed. Vitek Vanecek was stellar in net for the Capitals as he earned yet another win.
After two periods, neither team could get much offense going as the Rangers led 1-0. In the third, Ovechkin tied the game with a nice rebound play late. Then, just over three minutes later, he tallied another. The two goals were Ovechkin’s 719th and 720th of his career. Ovi now leads the Capitals with 14 goals on the year. He also has scored in five straight games and has seven goals in his last seven games.
In net for the Capitals, Vitek Vanecek played excellent once again. He saved a total of 32 total shots and the only goal allowed was on the power play. The win was Vanecek’s 13th of the year. With strong play from both Vanecek and Ilya Samsonov, the Capitals are looking at a strong future in the crease.
In the final game of Tom Wilson’s seven game suspension, the Capitals secured yet another victory. Without Wilson, who is set to return on Saturday, the Capitals went a perfect 7-0-0. The Caps are 11-1-0 in their last 12 games and have improved to 10-3-2 at home on the year.
Now sitting at 20-6-4 and 44 points, they are in sole possession of first place in the Eastern Division. Looking to continue their winning ways, the Capitals will be back in action again on Saturday (3/20) against the Rangers once more.
