Washington Capitals – Winnipeg Jets – 3:0
The Washington Capitals entered the game needing a strong stretch run to secure a playoff spot by the end of March. They carried momentum from winning four of their previous five and faced a formidable test against Western Conference leading Winnipeg. A tricky assignment to say the least, especially with playoff hopes on the line.
Through the first two periods, neither side found the net. Washington faced pressure, but the goaltenders kept the score sheet clean. Charlie Lindgren turned aside 20 shots in the first 40 minutes, while Connor Hellebuyck, who was forced into action in the 11th minute, stood tall for Winnipeg. The game remained scoreless as the teams skated to the final frame with a hive of activity but no goals.
The turning point came early in the third period when Washington seized control and converted the chances that had been building. John Carlson opened the scoring for the Capitals, giving them the lead they would never relinquish. Just two minutes later, Carlson found the back of the net again, delivering a dagger to the Jets and a long-awaited goal for the home crowd.
Alexander Ovechkin added another tally, knocking the puck away from Connor McMichael and bouncing it past the goalie. Ovechkin reached his third multi-goal game in four outings as he scored in the 53rd minute, sealing the final margin of victory.
With the win, Washington moved to 79 points and climbed back into eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings, strengthening its playoff position.
“I don’t want to end the season in two weeks”
Head coach Spencer Carbery spoke after the victory about the team’s late-season surge and praised Ovechkin for lifting the group in critical moments. He highlighted the captain’s leadership during the most important games of the year, when the team is fighting to keep its season alive.
Ovechkin acknowledged the challenge of the night, thanking Lindgren for his standout performance that kept the score closer through the early stages. He noted the team’s resilience and the importance of finishing strong as the season proceeds.
Ovechkin stressed that the road ahead remains difficult and emphasized the need for continued focus. The Capitals captain pointed to the confidence within the locker room, the commitment to play hard from training camp, and the desire to extend the season rather than see it end soon.
Washington’s prospects of making the playoffs were underscored when Rus commented on the team’s belief level. Ovechkin added that the current stretch is a personal test as well, and the group is intent on keeping the momentum going as the schedule unfolds.
The unique Ovechkin
The goals scored against Winnipeg moved Alexander Ovechkin to 25 and 26 for the season. Those tallies put him within striking distance of Wayne Gretzky’s iconic record, marking another milestone in a storied career that has produced 848 goals to date.
Recent performances have underscored Ovechkin’s prolific form. He is approaching a season finish not seen in four years and set an NHL benchmark in the current matchup by becoming the first player aged 38 or older to record eight goals across five consecutive games. The previous mark for such a streak belonged to Teemu Selanne, who accomplished a similar feat at ages 38 and 40, with Shane Doan also reaching the milestone at 39.
Additionally, Ovechkin sits near the top of league history with multiple seasons featuring 25 or more goals, ranking behind only a few legendary scorers such as Jaromir Jagr who achieved the feat across many seasons in the Czech Republic and the United States.
“Ovechkin haters should calm down”
Former Russian national team coach Vladimir Plyushev weighed in on Ovechkin’s season, explaining why the start was slow and why the current hot streak is notable. He attributed the early-season dip to age, injuries, and the demanding nature of professional hockey, noting that maintaining elite form as a 38-year-old is a significant challenge. Still, Plyushev believes that if Ovechkin continues this level of play, he will remain a force for the Capitals.
Former Russian national team player Dmitry Sychev echoed the sentiment, urging critics to stay calm. He observed that opponents study Ovechkin and adapt, but the 38-year-old has shown continued development and resilience, suggesting the critics should reassess as the season progresses.