Game information/links
Game preview
Fans inside Nationwide Arena tonight, which will include a sizable number of Capitals fans, could be treated to hockey history. Alex Ovechkin is playing in what is the only currently guaranteed game of his NHL career, and doing so versus a Blue Jackets team he began his legendary career against on October 5, 2005.
While this game no longer means anything regarding the NHL’s playoff picture — the Flyers eliminated both teams with a win on Monday night — it could mark the end of an incredible era in Capitals hockey and the end of one of the most storied careers in sports.
Ovechkin has meant so much to the Capitals organization and, perhaps more importantly, to the team’s fans, so make sure to savor every single shift he plays in this game. There are only a few one-on-one athletes in a city’s history, and The Great 8 is atop that list for Washington, DC, so if this is truly the end, we have to send him on his way with as much fanfare as possible.
Fittingly, the potential final game of his career will also be his 82nd of this season, seeing a player so well known for his durability, play in his first full regular season since the 2017-18 campaign. At 40 years of age? He’s gotta have one more year in him.
Must-read RMNB content
Terik Parascak named WHL Player of the Week after rising to second in league scoring during playoffs
Lines
Washington Capitals
Columbus Blue Jackets
Goaltending matchup
Tunnel shenanigans
1st Period
Puck is dropped. Ovechkin’s line starts the game.
Mason Marchment gets a half-breakaway chance but puts the puck over the bar.
Kirill Marchenko steals the puck in the Capitals’ zone and is robbed by Clay Stevenson.
Alex Ovechkin’s first chance is a deflection try from the slot that leaks through Jet Greaves, but not over the goal line.
Comment below. Refresh for live updates during the game. The thread will be closed shortly after the game is completed.
