Alex Ovechkin Does it Again

Article Written By: Martin Lee

Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates with his teammates after scoring the game winning goal in overtime during an NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings at Verizon Center on February 2, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Washington Capitals defeated the Detroit Red Wings 6-5. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings had a high scoring contest, with both teams scoring a combined 11 goals.

Capitals got the first goal of the game, from Jason Chimera at 4:43 of the first period, his 12th goal of the season. Joel Ward scored his first of two goals in the game, and the first of three straight power play goals in the first period, giving the Capitals a 2-0 lead at 7:20 into the first period with his 16th goal of the season. The Red Wings, however, cut the lead down to one on a power play goal from Gustav Nyquist, with his first of 3 goals in the game on a wrist shot for his 11th goal of the season 11:40 into the first period. Washington then took a 3-1 lead on a power play goal from John Carlson on a slap shot, his 10th goal of the season 16:05 in the 1st period.

Detroit made it a 3-2 game, on a Tomas Tatar goal, on a wrist shot for his 13th goal of the season 13:30 into the second period. Washington then got a 4 to 2 lead from Joel Ward, on a wrist shot, his 2nd goal of the game, and 17th goal of the season. Detroit then cut the lead down to one on a power play tip in from Gustav Nyquist, his second goal of the game and 12th of the season.

Gustav Nyquist got a hat trick on a tip in goal, his 13th goal of the season 42 seconds into the third period, tying up the game at four for Detroit. Washington, then took a 5 to 4 lead from Troy Brewer, on a wrist shot 4:28 into the 3rd period, his 11th goal of the season. Detroit tied up the game at 5 on a backhand shot from Justin Abdelkader, his sixth goal of the season 6:25 into the third period.

In overtime, the Capitals won the game on a power play goal from Alex Ovechkin on a one-timer 6:15 into the extra frame, his 39th goal of the season.

Michal Neuvirth had 25 saves on 30 shots in the win today for Washington. Jimmy Howard saved 22 of 28 shots today in a loss for the Detroit.

Alex Ovechkin was happy to get a big two points. “Every point right now counts,” Ovechkin said. “It’s a good two points. I think next game we are going to feel pretty better, and everything right now has to work fine for us.”