It was an odd night in D.C., but the Capitals got relief as Alex Ovechkin found twine.
WASHINGTON — It was an odd night in the Nation's Capital, but one where, despite a for the Washington Capitals at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the city felt some relief as Alex Ovechkin finally found twine.
Ovechkin had the lone goal for Washington, which outplayed Toronto, but ultimately the team saw unfortunate bounces, a called-back goal and defensive struggles lead to a 4-1 defeat.
Here are all the takeaways from the loss, which puts D.C. at 1-3-1 to open the 2023-24 campaign.
Ovechkin Finally Breaks Through & Capitals Outplay Leafs
The Capitals were strong out coming out of the gate, as the team pressured Joseph Woll early and often with Ovechkin leading the charge.
Ovechkin was hungry from the get-go and was piling on shot after shot. His efforts had led to a Nicklas Backstrom power-play goal, but it was overturned after it was ruled that No. 8's crashing of the crease was goaltender interference.
Still, the captain had a total of 14 shots, including seven in the opening frame. At one point, he was outshooting the entire Maple Leafs team, and Washington also saw several other great looks.
Ovechkin's goal would stand as the lone strike for Washington, but it was a significant one that made NHL history in two ways: it was career power-play goal No. 300, and it also tied him with Gordie Howe (925) for the most era-adjusted goals of all time.
His tally also ended a five-game goal drought and marked the team's first PPG of the season after 14 failed attempts to start.
Capitals Fail To Generate Offense At 5-on-5
Washington had its chances, but again, the team saw a lack of execution lead to just one goal, and it came on the power play and not at 5-on-5. It's a tough spot for D.C. to be in, especially having had 37 shots on goal.
Odd Circumstances & Mistakes Lead To L, PK Continues To Struggle
Despite D.C.'s strong play, things would turn in Toronto's favor in the second, as the c;lub capitalized on their limited opportunities. Two of the Leafs' goals came on the power play, with Washington's penalty kill continuing to struggle. Then, two more goals came after missed assignments on defense, with John Tavares tipping in a goal after being left alone in front and Willaim Nylander sliding in on a semi-breakaway.
The Capitals have now given up a power-play goal in all five games this season and have also trailed 2-0 in each of those games. Darcy Kuemper also had a rough showing, with four goals allowed on just 17 shots.