A strong game by Ovechkin

1067TheFan — April 05, 2010 — Brooks Laich, Jose Theodore, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin (@5:25) talk after the overtime win over the Bruins and the day after clinching the best regular season record in the NHL.
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By Tarik El-Bashir, The Washington Post, Apr. 6, 2010:

Alex Ovechkin didn't break out of his goal funk, but the two-time MVP put forth a strong effort. He finished with a game-high six shots on goal and, with a pair of primary assists, pulled him within two points of Vancouver's Henrik Sedin in the race for the Art Ross Trophy. It was, however, 15th time in the past 18 games that Ovechkin was held without a goal.

"He competed," Boudreau said. "He got involved. He wasn't afraid to hit today. Ever since that suspension, I think it has been on his mind."

Ovechkin, who received the first star, said he was inspired by a private chat with Boudreau before the game.

"I talked to Bruce about it, about what I have to do better," Ovechkin said. "I didn't skate well last couple games. Today, I play better.

Nicklas Backstrom got the Capitals a 1-0 lead with a controversial goal at the 7-minute 36-second mark of the first period. Ovechkin made a pass through three Bruins (just as he got leveled by hulking defenseman Zdeno Chara) to Backstrom, whose shot rolled slowly, on its edge, along the goal line before being swept off it by Wideman.

"I didn't think it was in," Backstrom said. "But they call it a goal [so] I guess it was a goal."

Ovechkin said he knew Chara was going to put a hurt on him.

"I saw Chara right way and I say, 'Oh Jesus,' " Ovechkin said. "He hit me pretty hard."

Mike Knuble answered with 28.8 seconds remaining, redirecting an Ovechkin rebound past Rask as he fought off Chara at the top of the crease. The goal, which was also reviewed, was Knuble's second in the past 15 games and sent the game into the third period tied 2-2.

"It was his goal," Ovechkin conceded. "Hit his skate probably."

nateewell: Consensus was it hit Knuble's left skate before hitting Chara's stick

AP via National Post:

The two-time defending NHL MVP was suspended for two games after shoving Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Brian Campbell from behind and sending him into the boards on March 14, and Washington coach Bruce Boudreau noticed that Ovechkin's aggression had returned.

"He wasn't afraid to hit today. He's never afraid, but ever since the suspension, it's been on his mind. He's got to be him," Boudreau said.

"I told him: ‘you're not a dirty player, so just play the play you normally play."'

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