SportsPreview
The biggest question facing every WNBA team in training camp
WNBA training camps open with key questions for each team.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Capitals Report Card: Caps Shut Out Penguins in Ovechkin’s Possible Final Home Game
TL;DR
The Washington Capitals secured a 3-0 shutout against the Pittsburgh Penguins, keeping their playoff hopes alive. This game may have been Alex Ovechkin's final home appearance, marking a significant moment in his 21-year career with the team.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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.
“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.
Capitals Analysis
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.
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.
Capitals Report Card
Team: A+
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.
Alex Ovechkin: A
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.
Connor McMichael: A+
McMichael had a strong multi-point performance with two goals and one assist. He has now set a single-season high in assists.
Logan Thompson: A+
Thompson made several key saves, including on backdoor and Grade-A looks. The 29-year-old finished with 24 saves for another shutout victory.
Pierre-Luc Dubois: A
Dubois recorded an assist one day after going down with an injury. He even finished the game with a plus/minus of plus-3, like McMichael.
Related Headlines
Q&A
What was the score of the Capitals vs. Penguins game?
The Capitals won the game 3-0 against the Penguins.
Is this Alex Ovechkin's last home game for the Capitals?
This game may have been Alex Ovechkin's final home game, as he is 40 years old and has had a long career with the team.
How many times have Ovechkin and Crosby faced each other in the regular season?
This game marked the 75th regular season meeting between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.
What does Ovechkin's performance mean to the Capitals and D.C. fans?
Ovechkin has been a significant figure for the Capitals and D.C. fans, receiving chants and ovations during the game, reflecting his impact over 21 years.
