Capitals Take Series Lead With OT Win

Alex Ovechkin scored the first playoff overtime goal of his NHL career, leading the Washington Capitals to a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series. Ovechkin finished with two goals and an assist, while Anthony Beauvillier added a key goal for Washington. The Capitals led 2-0 after two periods, but Montreal forced overtime with third-period goals from Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. Goaltender Logan Thompson made 33 saves in his return from injury, helping the Capitals secure their first playoff victory since May 2022 and a 1-0 series lead. Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault made 29 saves in his playoff debut, but Ovechkin's overtime goal was decisive. Game 2 will take place in Washington before the series shifts to Montreal.