Alex Ovechkin Scores First Playoff Overtime Goal as Capitals Stun Canadiens in Game 1
In a night that thrilled fans and carved out a new chapter in NHL history, Alex Ovechkin finally achieved a long-elusive milestone—his first career playoff overtime goal. On April 22, 2025, the 39-year-old legend lifted the Washington Capitals to a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series.
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough for The Great Eight
Despite being the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer with 897 career goals, Ovechkin had never scored a playoff goal in overtime. That all changed when he rifled home the game-winner in sudden death—his 75th postseason goal and arguably one of the sweetest of his storied career.
“Ovechkin's overtime goal isn't just a stat—it's a moment that reminds us why we fall in love with playoff hockey.”
High Stakes and High Drama
The path to victory wasn’t easy. The Capitals surrendered a third-period lead, allowing Montreal to tie the game and snatch momentum. As tension mounted into overtime, the stage was set for a hero—and Ovechkin delivered.
With the clock ticking and the air electric, his goal reignited dreams of another championship in D.C.
Capitals Enter The Playoffs On A Mission
Coming into the postseason, Washington had reclaimed dominance with their first Metropolitan Division title in five years. Their strong regular season earned them the Eastern Conference's top seed, and expectations were sky-high. The Canadiens, by contrast, just barely clinched the final playoff spot, setting them up as the underdog in this high-octane series.
Before puck drop, Capitals coach Spencer Carbery added to the intrigue with cryptic remarks about the team's goaltending plan:
'You'll find out tonight,'
he told reporters, as cited by Athlon Sports. The goalie decision turned out to be a minor subplot in what became the night of Ovechkin’s triumph.
Postgame Emotions Run High
WTOP and Sports Illustrated captured the euphoria following the winning goal. Social media lit up with praise and the hashtag #GR8, Ovechkin’s iconic nickname. Fans shared videos of the team’s emotional group hug at center ice, with many calling it a moment worthy of the highlight reels for years to come.
After years of playoff heartbreak post-2018 Cup victory, Capitals faithful clung to this win as a sign that the magic might be back.
Conclusion
✔️ Ovechkin earned a long-overdue milestone that electrified the hockey world
✔️ With momentum on their side, the Capitals are sending a strong message to the rest of the NHL
