Ovechkin's accomplishments
Todd Reyrden’s wards were unable to extend their winning streak to two meetings and lost to Buffalo away. In the main time, the teams scored twice, and in overtime they could not hit each other's gates, as a result of which the opposition triumph was determined in a series of shootouts. The hosts turned out to be a little more successful, having realized two of seven shots. One of the main protagonists of the game was the Russian hockey players of Washington, three of whom were noted for productive actions.
After defeating the Penguins, it might have seemed that the Capitals would be able to gain stability and confidently hold the final part of the regular season. Alexander Ovechkin and the company had two days off, so they should not have experienced fatigue, and the opponent was more than suitable. In anticipation of this meeting, Sabers was on the third line from the Eastern Conference standings and had a series of six consecutive defeats in its liabilities. In them, Ralph Krueger wards conceded 22 goals, while they themselves were able to answer ten.
However, “Buffalo” gathered on its ice and for the first 40 minutes was in no way inferior to “Washington”. The teams bothered each other 17 times, but in terms of implementation, the hosts surpassed their counterparts. Already in the fifth minute, they took advantage of the blunder of one of the main contenders for the prize for the best defender of the league (“James Norris Trophy”) John Carlson and for the first time upset Braden Holtby. Victor Olofsson completed the spectacular combination, and Ilya Kovalchuk earned another “minus”. And already at the 53rd second of the second period the score was doubled by Sabers leader Jack Aykel, who completed a close to perfect numerical advantage draw.
Washington responded in the third period. The guests gave the brightest segment, during which they completely surpassed the enemy in the number of shots (16: 5) and twice forced to capitulate Linus Ulmark. It is noteworthy that Ovechkin took a direct part in both attacks. At first, the Russian striker turned out to be the quickest on the face-off and sent the puck into the net with the hands. It is worth noting that at the “point” at that moment was his compatriot Yevgeny Kuznetsov, chalked up the 33rd assists
Center forward Capitals interrupted a three-match dry run, but this is hardly indicative of his return to perfect shape. At the moment, Kuznetsov has only 52 points in 63 meetings, which is the second worst result in an athlete’s career in the NHL. Apart from the first championship, in which he spent only 11 games, he scored less only in the 2014/15 season. Then Eugene wrote in his asset 11 goals and 26 passes.
Subsequently, “Washington” further increased pressure on the opponent and ten minutes later restored parity. Ovechkin performed a transfer on board to Orlov, he shifted closer to the center, but failed to execute a powerful throw. The puck went down, but with the help of a successful rebound from the defender's skate, he still ended up in the net. For Dmitry, this goal was the fourth of the season and helped him to take fourth place in the dispute of domestic sniper defenders. He caught up with Nikita Zadorov and is second only to Vladislav Gavrikov, Mikhail Sergachev and Ivan Provorov.
As for Ovechkin, he scored the 48th goal of the season and continued to fight for the ninth Maurice Richard Trophy. After 69 matches, he shares his first position with Boston striker David Pastrniak and is ahead of Oston Matthews from Toronto by two exact hits. In addition, Alexander took another step towards the title of the seventh best sniper in NHL history. On his account 706 goals, which is two less than the legend of “Washington” Mike Gartner.
But even the exploits of Ovechkin did not help the guests to take two points. In overtime, the teams could not upset each other, as a result of which everything was decided in a series of shootouts. “Washington” realized only one of seven, and Kuznetsov’s accurate throw became a bright spot amid the failures of Ovechkin and Kovalchuk. Buffalo was a little more successful, but that was enough to win. Rasmus Dalin and Dominic Kahun once left Holtby out of work and helped the team celebrate their victory for the first time since February 23.
“Every point counts. We fought well in the end, survived in the minority in overtime. It's good that we were able to recoup. A serious defeat, but we agree on one point, ”the NHL press service quoted Ovechkin as saying.
Passes Prokhorkina and Dadonova
This game day was successful for Nikolai Prokhorkin. Forward “Los Angeles” broke the 12-match silence and marked the assist in the confrontation with “Colorado”. Along with Austin Wagner, he organized a counterattack of the hosts, but hit exactly the goalkeeper Pavel Franzouz. However, he hit the puck in front of him and allowed the same Canadian to open an account. In the remaining time, the Kings were left twice out of the hands of the Czech, and the Avalanche could only answer with Pierre-Edouard Bellmar's goal. Moreover, Valery Nichushkin had a chance to distinguish himself, but did not realize the bullet.
Prokhorkin continues to fight for a place in the “Los Angeles”, but so far can not boast of serious success. In his debut season overseas, he scored 14 (4 + 10) points in 42 meetings and was in 12th place for this indicator in the team.
Pleased his personal fans and striker "Florida" Evgeni Dadonov. His dry series turned out not so long and reached the mark of six matches. She ended in a confrontation with the current Stanley Cup holder. “St. Louis” on his ice lost 1–2, and the Russian acted as an assistant in the episode with a goal from Mike Hoffman. The winning goal was scored by Brett Connolly, and the hosts scored Colton Paraiko.
Dadonov is superior to Prokhorkin in the number of points, but also can not be satisfied with his performance. At the moment, his record includes 25 goals and 22 assists, which is his worst result over the past three years. Until now, he has never dropped below the bar in 65 points, and a year ago he scored 70 altogether.