Wednesday night, the Washington Capitals outshot (32-30) and out-attempted (76-57) the Pittsburgh Penguins at all strengths. They played good enough to win.
But after a chippy game that featured a multitude of big hits, a TKO in a fight, the two teams’ captains bickering, and several almost-goals, the Capitals fell 2-1 to the Penguins.
As he skated off the ice, a frustrated Alex Ovechkin broke his hockey stick over the bench, tossing what was left onto the floor.
Ovechkin was likely frustrated that he did not score at the end of the game. With Braden Holtby pulled and the Caps with an extra man, Ovechkin had three shot attempts in the final minute.
His final opportunity came on a Penguins line change. Ovechkin drove the lane and unleashed a shot from the top of the circles, but missed the net.
According to NHL.com, Ovechkin finished the night with 14 shot attempts: five on net, one miss, and eight blocked. Via Natural Stat Trick, the 14 attempts were the second most Ovechkin’s had all season. The Russian machine had 16 shot attempts against the Winnipeg Jets on November 14.
Despite all of Ovechkin’s activity, the Capitals captain’s personal best point streak ended tonight at 14 games (17g, 6a). It marked the longest streak by a Capital this season, and the second longest in the NHL.
So. Much. Intensity.
