Caps outlast Jets in Shootout

If you haven’t heard the name Alex Ovechkin; shame on you.  The Washington Capitals right winger and captain has taken the league by storm once again in 2013-14 as after 9 games he’s leading the league in goals with 9.  Two of those goals came in the Capitals second consecutive win, Tuesday night, in a wild 5-4 shootout victory against the Winnipeg Jets.

Oct 22, 2013; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) scores on Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) for the Washington Capitals second goal during the second period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

After a scoreless opening session, Mikhail Grabovski opened the Washington scoring with his fourth goal of the season just three minutes into the second period.  The Jets quickly answered with a goal from Byran Little and Grant Clintsome respectively.  Then, it was Ovechkin’s turn as the star winger tallied two straight goals.  The first came on breakaway beating goalie Ondrej Pavelec, who had 32 saves on the night.  Next, Oveckin ripped a wrist shot right past Pavelec off of a face off win.

Blake Wheeler of Winnipeg knotted the score at three just under a minute and a half later.  With the score tied entering the third period, Washington and Troy Bouwer capitalized on poor puck handling, and took a one-goal lead after a quick shot.  The Jets weren’t done yet, however, as Little scored his second goal of the affair.  The Jets and Capitals played five minutes of extra hockey, but were unable to decide a winner.  Braden Holtby, 43 saves, did just enough to let Martin Erat score the shootout winner on the team’s sixth attempt.

Washington will continue their road trip tonight when they take on the Edmonton Oilers.