Alex Ovechkin has finally shattered a long-standing playoff milestone, scoring his first overtime goal in a postseason game against the Montreal Canadiens. Coming just 2:26 into overtime, Ovechkin's goal marked a significant achievement in his illustrious career, which includes three Hart Trophies and a Stanley Cup victory in 2018. Throughout this two-decade journey, Ovechkin had participated in 45 overtime playoff games without finding the net until now.

His two-goal performance in the series opener showcased his relentless scoring ability and leadership on the ice, complemented by a fierce physical game, as he led the Capitals with seven hits. Teammate Dylan Strome lauded Ovechkin's exceptional play and noted how the timing of the goal is a testament to Ovechkin's ability to thrive under pressure. Coach Spencer Carbery emphasized Ovechkin's influence in setting a competitive tone for the team.

In a determined move to secure another Stanley Cup, Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are shifting their focus from individual accolades to team success as they embark on the playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens. Following a historic season where Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s goals record, the Capitals finished atop the Eastern Conference despite a late-season slump. Players like Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome emphasize the need to regain their early-season form for a genuine playoff push.

The Canadiens, boosted by a strong finish to the regular season, showcase a formidable top line featuring Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, and they'll need to leverage their offensive skills against Washington’s defense. The Capitals face injury challenges, notably Aliaksei Protas, which may impact their depth. As Ovechkin leads his team with 44 goals, the stakes are high to transform regular-season successes into playoff victories.

The Washington Capitals enter the playoffs with memories of their 2010 first-round upset against the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens haunting them. In that series, despite being heavily favored, the Capitals fell short, a history that adds pressure as they prepare for another match against the same team. With a high-powered offense led by Alex Ovechkin and solid goaltending from Logan Thompson, Washington aims for redemption this postseason while avoiding previous disappointments.

The current Capitals roster is filled with fresh faces, supporting Ovechkin, who recently became the NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer. Coach Spencer Carbery describes the team as a collection of underdogs, and despite midseason success, they have struggled recently, winning only two of their last six games. Thompson's potential absence due to injury could affect their playoff aspirations significantly. The Capitals hope to harness the lessons from the past to propel them forward in the playoffs.

In a thrilling matchup, Tom Wilson notched a career-high 33rd goal as the Washington Capitals secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 5-4 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. The game saw Washington overcome a 2-0 deficit, fueled by a second-period surge that included strikes from Dylan Strome and Nic Dowd. Despite blowing a 4-2 lead, Wilson’s late-game heroics and Pierre-Luc Dubois’ shootout winner sealed the win. Capitals' goaltender Charlie Lindgren made crucial saves, including in the shootout, while the Hurricanes continue to struggle with their fourth consecutive loss.

In a thrilling matchup, Tom Wilson netted his 33rd goal of the season, helping the Washington Capitals clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 5-4 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals fought back from a 2-0 deficit and briefly held a 4-2 lead before conceding two late goals in the third period. Pierre-Luc Dubois clinched the shootout victory while Charlie Lindgren made key saves, including a perfect shootout performance. Alex Ovechkin, who recently celebrated breaking Wayne Gretzky's goal record, contributed with an assist, marking his 26th assist of the season.

The Hurricanes continue to struggle, losing their fourth straight game. Coach Rod Brind'Amour may need to evaluate his goaltending situation with Frederik Andersen showing inconsistencies as the playoffs approach. With the Capitals hitting their stride, they aim to build on this momentum heading into the postseason.