OTTAWA — It took a great goal scorer to end the impasse between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on Thursday.
After a scoreless 60 minutes, Alex Ovechkin scored the overtime winner for the Capitals in a 1-0 win over the host Senators.
Ovechkin took a pass from Rasmus Sandin on a two-on-one and beat Senators goalie Leevi Merilainen for the 874th goal of his NHL career.
Washington's captain was 21 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record (894).
But Ovechkin set an NHL record Thursday for the most goalies scored on with Merilainen number 179.
“I knew I should take a shot as soon as I can because I thought he may be thinking maybe I will pass it back to Sandy," Ovechkin said.
"It was a good one, and it went in, so I’ll take it."
The Senators (22-18-4) didn’t look out of place against the league-leading Capitals (30-10-5).
Merilainen was stellar for the Senators with 26 saves. He robbed Tom Wilson on breakaway attempt in overtime.
The 22-year-old Finnish netminder has provided the Senators with consistent play in the absence of the injured Linus Ullmark.
“Extremely impressed,” Ottawa defenceman Nick Jensen of his goaltender. “It's huge confidence for us when we have goalies back there that are standing tall and confident in net and knowing that they're keeping the puck out, and it's exciting to see someone like that have success.”
Capitals goalie Logan Thompson was also solid with a 24-save shutout.
The Senators riding a three-game winning streak saw the NHL-leading Capitals as a measuring stick.
“Any time you lose, it's hard," Senators coach Travis Green said. “I walked around just now and guys are bummed that they loss, but you have to have honest assessment of your game. Once you get to overtime, it really can go either way.
"That was a great hockey game. Two teams that played well. They’ve got an incredible record, and we're showing that we can play against top teams in the league.”
Thompson held the Capitals in the game in the second period when Washington managed a single shot in the first 16 minutes and Ottawa had three power-play chances.
“I thought LT was fantastic, especially in that second period when we’re taking on water,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said. "To be able to get into the break heading into the locker room at 0-0 at that point I think was a significant accomplishment. And then the guys picked him up.”
Ottawa went 0-for-3 with a man advantage to go 2-for-15 through its last five games. But the Senators played sound defensive hockey when the Capitals pushed hard in the third period.
“These are the games you want to be excited about,” said Jensen. “One of the best teams in the league, going out there and playing the way we did, that was an exciting game all the way through.
"I don't think there's anything to hang our head about. Everyone played a great game, and we had every opportunity to win that game.”
Ottawa native Donovan Sebrango made his NHL debut with the Senators on Thursday.
"That's one I'm gonna remember for sure,” the defenceman said. "That's what I dreamt of as a kid. Means the world to me that I got to do that."
Sebrango said Ovechkin on the ice made it more special.
"Growing up, that's my favourite player," Sebrango said. “Getting to be on the ice with him, I mean, that's something somebody dreams of. It was a great honour."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2025.
Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press