Here's why Ovechkin didn't get any shifts in the 3-on-3 frame for the Capitals against Vancouver.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals put up a good fight against the Vancouver Canucks and escaped with a point on Super Bowl Sunday, but overtime looked different as a key player was missing: Alex Ovechkin.
Ovechkin, who scored one of the team's two goals in the 3-2 loss, did not get a shift for the entirety of the 3-on-3 action.
Head coach Spencer Carbery explained his decision and took accountability for not getting the 38-year-old his ice time in the extra five-minute frame.
"That's on me," Carbery said. "I'm trying to look for a specific matchup situation, and I got to do a better job there. I got to find a way to — there's just a couple of situations as that overtime is rolling. That's on me."
Ovechkin has goals in five straight games and has found his step following the All-Star Break. After a slow start to the season, he's back on pace for 20 goals and said he is feeling his confidence come back.
“How I said, I try to do my job and you know, just play right style of game and be out there and help the team to win," Ovechkin said.
Carbery also acknowledged Ovechkin's recent spark, saying that he's seen more from his captain, who has 16 points in his last 15 games.
"He's playing at a real high level, I feel like he's even skating a little bit more," Carbery said. "I feel like there's a little more jump in his step... it's a positive step, because we need him."