Photo credit: Alex Brandon
It was Russian Heritage Night at Verizon Center on Tuesday, so how else could the Washington Capitals game end but with an Alex Ovechkin goal in overtime. It was Ovi’s 13th career OTGWG — the most in Caps franchise history — and his 14th goal of the 2013-14 season.
While Ovi was the one who crashed the net, the reason why you’re getting 50% off your online order from Papa John’s tomorrow is Marcus Johansson.
Johansson has been a lightning rod of criticism from Caps fans, showing tons of skill, but playing soft in the corners and not finishing. It can be infuriating, but on Tuesday he did everything right.
A minute and a half into overtime, a confident Johansson skated the puck into the offensive zone with a purpose, absorbed a James Wisniewski hip check along the boards, and powered through to the net.
He then curled and put a backhanded shot on Sergei Bobrovski.
Ovechkin did the dirty work, securing the game-winner and then going nuts. You know, typical Ovi things.
“Jojo do great job, fight through [the check] and after that, I have to go to the net and find the rebound,” Ovechkin told media after the game. “I got lucky puck, bounce right onto my stick, and big goal.”
The Capitals had no business winning tonight. Their defense was terrible; none of the goals scored on Braden Holtby were his fault. But like we’ve seen in the past, this team can get by on their above-average skill. A win’s a win, but it should have not had to come to this.
Graphic via Monumental Network
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