Alex Ovechkin was scoreless, inconceivably, after two games to start this season. That simply could not be allowed to stand any longer.

Before the first period of Sunday’s Caps-Pens game was over, Ovechkin remedied the problem with an assist from Kuznetsov and Wilson.

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While the Penguins regrouped, “Two-way” Tom Wilson attacked the puck in the offensive zone, forcing a turnover. Wilson quickly fed to Kuznetsov, who left the puck in the crease for Ovechkin to pick up, besting Penguins goalie Casey DeSmith.

7️⃣0️⃣7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/QyXIwuBetj

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 17, 2021

With his trademark demented smile, Ovechkin welcomed his linemates for a group hug. My advanced lip-reading skills tell me he’s saying “come on, baby!”

That’s one goal on the season, and 707 all-time. Ovechkin is now one goal behind Mike Gartner. (Though in a just world, he’d be 100 goals further ahead.)

RMNB Coverage of Caps at Penguins

Screenshot courtesy of NBC Sports