Ovechkin races to the playoffs! Washington won one of the most important games of the season
Maxim Makarov March 27, 2024, 05:49 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
They took away a strategically important game from Detroit.
The matchup between Washington and Detroit was strategically important for both teams from a tournament standpoint because they are both top contenders for the second wild card in the East. Going into the game, the Capitals had a one-point lead over their opponents, as well as a game in hand. Ovechkin’s team took good momentum toward the end of the regular season, winning the last five games out of six, and Alexander himself commented on the team’s transformation: “You see how we are playing now, everyone feels confident, everyone understands. the situation. . That’s why we fight all season, starting from training camp. “I don’t want to finish the season in two weeks, I want to continue playing.”
The first half made it quite clear that the teams understand the value of this particular match, so they approached it with great responsibility. Both teams focused mainly on defense, armed with the motto: the main thing is to concede fewer goals to the opponent. Fabbri and Lapierre had good chances, but both goalkeepers were at their best.
In the second half, as Ostap Bender would say, the ice broke. Nic Dowd managed to open the scoring two minutes into the period.
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After that, the game began to open up and the teams began to exchange dangerous opportunities, but the visitors did it next: Jeff Petrie sent the puck into the net and Alex DeBrincat left no chance for Lindgren. “Detroit” was inspired and began to play with a clear advantage, “Washington” bravely held on, but failed to maintain the tie until halftime: David Perron converted the extra.
In the third period, Washington turned the game around: Connor McCichael quickly came out from behind the goal and took Lyon by surprise. A minute later, the Canadian was able to score a double when Alexander Ovechkin brought him one on one, but Connor missed. However, after a couple of minutes, the Capitals still took the lead: Dylan Strome was the first to finish.
Video rights belong to NHL Enterprises, LP. You can see it on the NHL website.
Ivan Miroshnichenko didn’t appear on the scoresheet, but he did a great job blocking Lyon’s vision when Carlson was shooting. Detroit had little success, but Patrick Kane saved the team with a powerful shot and sent the game to overtime.
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In overtime, the hosts took their toll: Dylan Strome scored a double and gave Washington the victory.
Video rights belong to NHL Enterprises, LP. You can see it on the NHL website.
Thus, the “capital” team wins for the sixth time in the last seven games and is already two points ahead of its closest pursuer. Alexander Ovechkin’s five-game scoring streak, during which he scored eight goals, is broken.
