Washington’s top six couldn’t get much going early in Thursday’s game against the Nashville Predators, but two second-period powerplays provided the relief the Capitals needed so badly.
Alex Ovechkin scored twice on Ovi Shots from the Ovi Spot for his first powerplay goals of the season.
Goal 1
With Colton Sissons in the box for high-sticking, the Caps went to work. After some protracted struggles in the season’s first week and a half, Washington’s first unit worked exactly like it’s supposed to.
High along the blue line, John Carlson served the puck to Alex Ovechkin. One blazing one-timer later, and Ovechkin recorded his second goal of the season to restore Washington’s lead (though Ryan Johanson tied it up a few minutes later).
Alex Ovechkin scores his first powerplay goal of the new season. It's also his first-ever point on Pekka Rinne. 2-1 Caps. pic.twitter.com/yxp8kfuaqO
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) October 11, 2019
Goal 2
Ovechkin scored his second PPG 12:50 later after dekeing two different Predators with toe drags through the legs. The second, Roman Josi, hauled Ovechkin down giving the Caps another opportunity with an extra man.
silky mitts pic.twitter.com/7kJBrQ1X9I
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) October 11, 2019
John Carlson served up another perfect assist into Ovechkin’s wheel house. Ovi beat Rinne to the top corner of the net.
Alex Ovechkin's second PPG of the night from the Ovi spot pic.twitter.com/pJohU5CnxG
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) October 11, 2019
The goals were Ovechkin’s first-ever against Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne – the 135th different goaltender Ovechkin has scored against.
Entering tonight with 0 career goals against Pekka Rinne, and now scoring two goals tonight, Rinne becomes the 101st different goaltender Ovechkin has scored multiple goals against. https://t.co/VJNDlRxD4C
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 11, 2019
Ovechkin now has sole possession of fourth in powerplay goals all-time in NHL history. The game also marked Ovechkin’s 21st multi-powerplay goal game and 133rd multi-goal game of his career.
Alex Ovechkin now sits fourth all-time in powerplay goals. With a truly ridiculous season, he could catch Andreychuk this year. pic.twitter.com/0wUCW9sPTR
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) October 11, 2019
Ovi’s three goals on the season now lead the Caps.
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Preds
Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington
