Ovi 🤝 MJ
filthy
handles pic.twitter.com/FdVhXBf0oI
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2022 Against this background, he still managed to break a goalless streak in a duel with the Islanders, although Washington fans were visibly nervous throughout the meeting:
- —»I don't watch the game, but I see that Ovechkin still hasn't scored and I don't like it,» @NYCCapsCrew tweeted.
- —»I need an Ovechkin goal. Brother please, I'm already shaking. Please shut it up brother,» added @capsboybebop.
- —»I will publish a manifesto about Alexander Ovechkin's goal especially for me. Thank you,» said @mattxwoj.
Indeed, fans of Ovi's talent had something to be nervous about, because he scored his long-awaited puck just before the final siren, when the Islanders had already removed Semyon Varlamov from the goalkeeper's frame and replaced him with a sixth field player. Taking the puck away, Evgeny Kuznetsov generously handed it to his captain, and he, having reached the empty net, calmly sent the projectile into the net, minimizing the backlog from the leader of the sniper standings of the season, Leon Draisaitl. To the top three NHL snipers in history, which opens Jaromir Jagr, Ovi left 11 goals. By the way, the same number — up to Wayne Gretzky on goals against an empty net.
#ALLCAPS Capitals win vs the Islanders with this empty net goal by Alex Ovechkin. also gives him the 4th most empty netters in a season. pic.twitter.com/BrS6v5KvRg
— Capitals Replays (@capsreplays) January 15, 2022 This goal was also symbolic because it was Kuznetsov who assisted Alexander, who suffered a lot from the actions of his eminent teammate. began to dodge opponents, and suddenly he saw Ovechkin right in front of him. True, Ovi did not have time to react and dodge: Alexander unconsciously used a forceful technique against Kuzi and, not wanting this, sent his compatriot to a knockdown. Eugene rose to his feet only after a few seconds and with difficulty reached the bench of his team. Fortunately, he managed to avoid serious damage and, recovering himself, he continued the game.
#ALLCAPS Ovechkin and Kuznetsov run into one and other and Kuznetsov is slow to the bench. pic.twitter.com/xV6BzYb3X6
— Capitals Replays (@capsreplays) January 15, 2022 This episode looks comical against the backdrop of Washington's recent meeting with St. Louis (1:5), during which Ovechkin also crippled Kuznetsov, accidentally hitting him in the face with a stick.