Canucks Vs. Ovie
It was more of the same for Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, now 4-and-0 against the Bruce Boudreau coached Vancouver Canucks with a 5-1 victory Tuesday night. ‘Ovie’ scored twice in the game to set a new NHL record for career goals scored on the road, 403. He passed some guy named Wayne Gretzky.
The shot totals were misleading. While the Canucks had 21 on goal through the first two periods, the Capitals controlled the tempo and effectively shut down much of the traffic around their goalie Darcy Kuemper.
Spencer Martin started in net for the Canucks and took just his second regulation loss of the season against six wins. The Canucks didn’t seem to have the same overwhelming confidence they’ve typically exhibited this season with Martin between the pipes. Or maybe it was just the Ovie factor.
Besides the road record, Ovechkin now has 13 goals on the season and 793 for his career. He’s just eight away from tying Gordie Howe for 2nd most NHL goals all time.
Canucks Goal Scorer
1st period – 2-1 Washington – Nils Hòglander (2) from J.T. Miller, 13:55
Höglander cut into the Capitals lead by tucking home a backhander while cutting past the front of the crease.
Standings
The Canucks had threatened to reach the .500 mark on the season heading into this one. Instead they fall two games below, both overall and also at home. They’ll have plenty of chances to improve the mark at Rogers Arena. The Washington loss was the first game of a four game homestand and eight of the next ten at home.
Vancouver hosts the surprisingly mediocre Florida Panthers on Thursday night.
Forget the Vancouver three stars list for this one. With his assist, J.T. Miller did extend his point scoring streak to nine consecutive games.
