The Washington Capitals won their sixth in a row at home, Alex Ovechkin became the franchise’s all-time leader in game-winning goals — eclipsing Peter Bondra — and they got another goal from Jay Beagle (good boy). The Caps are now 7-1-2 in their last 10 games, sit alone in third place in the division and are three points behind the Islanders in first and two behind second-place Pittsburgh.
First Star: Hard to not mention Braden Holtby here in this space again. He saw 32 shots against (18 of which came in an exhausting third period), and saved seven out of eight on the penalty kill — the only goal coming off a rebound into a vacant slot. If playing in a franchise-record 24th game in a row and 19th consecutive start is bothering him or tiring him out, he’s not showing it.
Second Star: Alex Ovechkin. C’mon. Power play goal (off a couple of particularly nice backhand passes from 19 and 20). Earlier, beat old buddy Semyon Varlamov through the five-hole but hit the post on another attempt. Has 22 goals and just keeps plugging away.
Third Star: Jay Beagle. Scored his personal-best sixth goal, and they’re all coming from hard work and willingness to crash the net. This one came on a rebound in the slot, and a nifty backhander to boot.
Goat of the night: Varlamov. Was issued a roughing penalty by face-washing Tom Wilson with his goalie gear. Poor form.
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