In all likelihood, Alex Ovechkin is going to score his 500th goal on Sunday in front of his adoring Capitals fans. His chase of the record books this season has been exciting to watch, and there's no doubt seeing it culminate in D.C. will be satisfying.
NHL scores 2016: Braden Holtby and Alex Ovechkin start weekend with thrilling finish
Ovi and Holtby are combining for a historic weekend.
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But let’s not overlook what his goaltender is doing.
With his 23 saves for the 27th win of his stellar season, Braden Holtby extended a milestone of his own. Holtby hasn't lost in regulation since Nov. 10, to the tune of 20 wins since. Only four other goalies in the last 20 years have accomplished that feat.
It’s fair to say Holtby is the runaway favorite to win the Vezina Trophy this season. And yet, it’s likely he’ll get overshadowed on Sunday by Ovi, much like he did in the sequence that won the game for the Capitals on Saturday afternoon.
Which is probably fine by Holtby. The less people are talking about him, the less likely it is someone will jinx him.
Scores
Capitals 4, Rangers 3 (OT)
Hurricanes 4, Blue Jackets 3 (OT)
Sharks 7, Maple Leafs 0
3 things we learned
1. More proof that Erik Karlsson is a defensive wizard
The list of hockey players in the world who can block a shot, join the rush to create a 2-on-1 chance and assist on a sweet goal in the span of 10 seconds has very few names on it. One of them belongs to the Ottawa Senators captain, who proved his Norris Trophy worth yet again with this amazing sequence.
2. Bo Horvat is proving doubters wrong
Namely, me. And Stars fans. Dallas probably thought they were getting a steal when Vancouver traded up in 2013 to draft Horvat one pick before the Stars took Valeri Nichushkin. At the very least, Nichushkin looked like more of a game-breaking player than Horvat. The truth was far different. Both players have settled into a role with their respective teams, but with four goals in the last two games Horvat now has as many career tallies (20) as Nichushkin.
And that game-breaking ability? Oh, Horvat has it.
3. Dallas' defense is showing signs of distress
The one knock against the Stars' hopes of competing for a Stanley Cup this year is their defense. In fact, it's always been about their defense. While the Stars' blueline and overall game in their own zone was pretty good during the first half of the year, cracks have started to show over the last two weeks. Miscues and sloppy pace in their own zone doomed the Stars on Saturday despite their offense putting up 34 shots on Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk. Is this a sign of things to come?
Impact Moment
I already shared Ovechkin's goal with you, so here's Brent Burns' counter proposal a few hours later:
Impact Moment II
THIS IS A VERY BAD TIME TO LEAVE FOR A LINE CHANGE, DANIEL SEDIN. A VERY BAD TIME.
Stat of the Night
#Leafs Jonathan Bernier has allowed more goals tonight than in his previous 4 road games combined
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) January 10, 2016 See More:
