The Washington Capitals (42-30-9) remain alive with another much-needed win. They concluded the home-and-home set with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins (41-24-16) on Sunday.
More importantly, the Capitals got the win in what may have been the final home game for Alex Ovechkin. This also marked the 75th regular season (100th all-time) meeting between Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.
Every time the Capitals captain took the ice, there were tons of chants and ovations in Capital One Arena. It just goes to show what the 40-year-old Ovechkin has meant to D.C. for 21 years.
Caps fans love Ovi ❤️ 📺: @NHL_On_TNT & @StreamOnMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T pic.twitter.com/lZq9Qe4wy7
“The fans always support me, support organization, team, boys,” said Ovechkin. “It was the energy we need.”
The Capitals offense came through with a goal from Trevor van Riemsdyk and two from Connor McMichael. The defense and Logan Thompson also stepped up to prevent Pittsburgh from scoring.
The Capitals remain one point behind Philadelphia for the third seed in the Metropolitan Division. They will need some help as they finish the regular season in Columbus on Tuesday.
All eyes were on Ovechkin from the moment he took the ice on Sunday. Dylan Strome even let the 40-year-old take over on the opening faceoff against Crosby.
Sid and Ovi took the opening face-off after Strome intentionally got kicked out 😂👏 pic.twitter.com/8aDX1zKyHI
Ovechkin looked like vintage Ovi, blasting one-timers from the circle and using his physicality. He even laid out a big hit on Kris Letang in the first period.
The 40-year-old finished with one assist (the 757th of his career), three shots, and a team-leading five hits through 16:11 of ice time. Ovechkin was named the game’s first star as he saluted the crowd leaving the ice.
With Crosby, Letang, and Evgeni Malkin back on the ice for Pittsburgh, the Capitals’ defense came through. The penalty kill went 2-for-2, and Tom Wilson blocked a shot that sent him to the locker room. Luckily, he returned the following period.
Logan Thompson also stood tall in net for his fourth shutout of the season, with two in his last three. The netminder made 24 saves to prevent the playoff-bound Penguins from scoring.
The Capitals broke the scoreless tie in the middle frame when van Riemsdyk got to the front and jammed the puck past Stuart Skinner. Pierre-Luc Dubois recorded the primary assist, as he now has 10 points in his last seven games.
McMichael recorded the secondary helper and then scored a goal of his own late in the third. The 25-year-old went on a 2-on-1 with Ryan Leonard, who fed McMichael on a breakaway for a backhanded goal.
McMichael then went on to seal the 3-0 shutout with an empty-netter. He finished with three points and now has points in four of his last five games.
Another strong game as the Capitals sweep the Penguins in the home-and-home set. They remain alive in the playoff race but still need help.
Ovechkin may not have scored, but he was the clear star in everyone’s eyes. The Great 8 finished with an assist, three shots, and five hits.
McMichael had a strong multi-point performance with two goals and one assist. He has now set a single-season high in assists.
Thompson made several key saves, including on backdoor and Grade-A looks. The 29-year-old finished with 24 saves for another shutout victory.