Alex Ovechkin Shines in Game 1 Win Over Canadiens: ‘He’s the Best, Plain and Simple’….read more….
Montreal, QC — In a commanding performance that reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest to ever play the game, Alex Ovechkin delivered a dominant Game 1 showing against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night, leading the Washington Capitals to a 5–2 victory at the Bell Centre.
Ovechkin, the 38-year-old captain and future Hall of Famer, scored two goals and added an assist in the series opener of the first-round playoff matchup, electrifying both fans and teammates with his vintage mix of power, precision, and passion.
“Guy’s the best player in the world. What else can you say?” said Capitals forward T.J. Oshie after the win. “You give him a little space, and he makes magic happen.”
A Classic Ovi Night
From the drop of the puck, Ovechkin was locked in. His first goal came midway through the first period on a blistering one-timer from the left circle — a spot often dubbed “Ovi’s office” for his lethal accuracy from that range. The goal gave Washington a 2–1 lead and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Later, with the Canadiens pushing hard in the third period, Ovechkin struck again — this time on a breakaway following a defensive turnover, firing the puck past Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault for his second goal of the night and his 76th career playoff goal.
He capped off the night with a slick assist on a John Carlson power-play goal, further demonstrating his all-around dominance on the ice.
“He just never stops,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. “You talk about intensity, leadership, and execution — he brings all three in the biggest moments.”
History on the Horizon
Ovechkin’s performance comes at a pivotal point in his storied career. Though many have speculated about the toll of age, Monday’s performance sent a clear message: the Great Eight still has plenty left in the tank.
He now sits just 19 playoff goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time playoff goals record — a milestone that once seemed untouchable but is now within realistic reach.
More immediately, his leadership and scoring touch have given the Capitals a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series, and momentum heading into Game 2.
Montreal Struggles to Contain the Veteran
The Canadiens, making their first playoff appearance in three years, had no answer for Ovechkin’s physicality and offensive firepower. Despite goals from Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, Montreal struggled to keep pace with Washington’s top line, which capitalized on turnovers and outmuscled defenders throughout the night.
“We have to be better defensively, especially against a guy like that,” said Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis. “You can’t give Ovechkin time and space — not if you want to win playoff games.”
Montembeault faced 38 shots on the night, with several key saves keeping the score respectable. But when it came to Ovechkin, even his best efforts weren’t enough.
Ovechkin’s Mindset: All About the Team
Despite the praise and statistical achievements, Ovechkin remained focused on the bigger picture in his postgame comments.
“It’s nice to get the goals, but more important is getting the win,” he said. “We know it’s going to be a tough series. Tonight we played the right way — fast, smart, aggressive.”
He credited his teammates for creating space and moving the puck effectively, particularly praising linemates Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson for their hustle.
“We’ve been playing together a long time,” Ovechkin added. “We know each other, and when we click, good things happen.”
Looking Ahead to Game 2
The Capitals will look to maintain their momentum in Game 2, scheduled for Wednesday night in Montreal. The Canadiens, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they hope to even the series and prevent Ovechkin and company from taking a commanding lead back to Washington.
“Our backs aren’t against the wall yet,” said Canadiens captain Brendan Gallagher. “But we need to respond — and fast.”
With Ovechkin in vintage form and his teammates feeding off his energy, the Capitals appear to be peaking at just the right time. And as one fan sign read in the stands:
“Age is just a number. Ovi is forever.”
