In a thrilling Game 1, Alex Ovechkin netted his first playoff overtime goal, leading the Washington Capitals to a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. This win marked Washington's first playoff success since May 2022 and is pivotal after nearly losing a two-goal lead in the third period. Ovechkin's late-game heroics overshadowed the Canadiens' determined comeback, sparked by Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki's goals. The Capitals capitalized on their physical edge, which was evident throughout the match.

By the Numbers
  • Ovechkin scored 2 goals, including the game-winner 3:26 into overtime.
  • Thompson made 33 saves in his first NHL game since an injury on April 2.
State of Play
  • Capitals lead the series 1-0 with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday in Washington.
  • Canadiens are aiming to rebound after a hard-fought game and improved performance in the latter stages.
What's Next

The Capitals hope to build momentum in Game 2, while the Canadiens will look to tighten their defense and capitalize on offensive opportunities to even the series before heading home.

Bottom Line

Ovechkin's clutch performance reinforces his legacy and the Capitals' resilience, setting an exciting tone for the rest of the playoff series.