is still on track to break the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record, and with the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals heading into a road back-to-back, a newly-signed college star could soon join the lineup as they face off against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.
The Capitals (47-17-9, 103 points) are currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak (0-2-1), which includes an 8-5 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. That game marked the first time all season the Capitals allowed more than five goals, despite outshooting their opponents in all three games.
“We’ll put that one behind us,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. “There were some circumstances in that game that the guys were aware of and understood. We need to get back on track… but we’re finding ways to keep pushing through.”
Despite the losses, Ovechkin had a solid three-point performance, including his 890th career goal, bringing him just five goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.
Jakob Chychrun also scored twice in the loss, becoming the Capitals’ first defenseman to hit the 20-goal mark since 2008-09. However, the team’s slump extended to three games for the second time this season.
“It’s easy to get down on yourself when you’re not playing your best at this time of year, but I don’t sense that happening in this room,” Chychrun said.
In a big move for the future, the Capitals signed top prospect Ryan Leonard to a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday, just a day after his Boston College team was eliminated from NCAA tournament contention. The 20-year-old forward from Amherst, Mass., had back-to-back 30-goal seasons, making him the first college player to do so since 2011. Leonard is expected to make his NHL debut on Tuesday.
“I’m proud of him and the season he’s had,” Carbery said. “He’s handled everything with great professionalism, from World Juniors to another strong year at BC. It’s always tough when your college season ends early, but he’s shown a lot of character.”
Alex Ovechkin
Meanwhile, the Bruins (30-35-9, 69 points) continue to slide out of playoff contention, now on an 0-7-1 stretch. Their latest loss was a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, marking their fifth straight regulation loss. Despite the ongoing struggles, forward Morgan Geekie saw progress in their performance.
“I thought we played hard for 60 minutes — that was the most complete game we’ve had in a while,” Geekie said. “It’s tough to not get results from that, but there are positives to take.”
As the Bruins prepare for Ovechkin’s challenge, interim head coach Joe Sacco, known for his work on the penalty kill, is ready for the task of defending the Russian sniper. Ovechkin has scored 29 goals in his career against the Bruins, and Sacco noted the challenge of dealing with him on the power play.
“He’s been a nightmare for sure,” Sacco joked. “You always have to pay close attention to him, especially in that spot on the power play.”
In injury news, Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy continues his recovery from a shoulder injury and infection suffered in February. On Monday, McAvoy rejoined practice without his non-contact jersey, but there’s still no set timeline for his return.
“I’m focusing on rehabbing and working every day to put myself in a position to play this year,” McAvoy said. “Whatever happens, happens.”
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