Ovechkin Scores First Playoff OT Goal, Caps Win Game 1

Alex Ovechkin led the Washington Capitals to a 3-2 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs series, scoring both the opening and game-winning goals. This marked Ovechkin's first-ever playoff overtime goal, achieved in his 152nd postseason game, and made him the oldest skater in Stanley Cup Playoff history to factor in on all his team's goals in a game. Ovechkin also recorded three points and delivered seven hits, further solidifying his reputation after breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record earlier in the season. The Capitals initially took a 2-0 lead before the Canadiens tied the game in the third period, but Ovechkin's clutch performance secured the win. His focus on team success over individual accolades has been highlighted throughout the season, as he turned down major opportunities to celebrate his record-breaking goal in favor of concentrating on the playoffs. The Capitals now hold a 1-0 series lead, with Game 2 scheduled for April 23.