Ovechkin’s Power Shot Injures Opponent in Capitals’ Close Loss

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Capitals fell to the Utah Hockey Club in a thrilling 5-4 shootout loss on Sunday afternoon at Capital One Arena, marking the team’s final game before the Four Nations Face-Off break. Capitals star Alex Ovechkin shone with a primary assist and several powerful shots, including one that left Utah goaltender Connor Ingram injured.

Ovechkin opened the game with a blistering shot from 51 feet that clocked in at an astounding 98 mph, as noted by Alan May on the Monumental Sports Network. As the match progressed, Ovechkin’s shot injured Ingram after a power-play attempt, leaving the young goalie clutching his neck in pain. Ingram played just 12:38 minutes before being replaced by Karel Vejmelka, who had allowed six goals in a previous game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

“He’s hurt,” Utah head coach Andre Tourigny said after the game. “I don’t know what his status is at this point. He will be evaluated, but we’ll see.” Utah later announced that Ingram would not return due to an upper-body injury.

Ovechkin’s shot has a reputation for its intensity; it has even caused injuries to his own teammates during practice. Braden Holtby, former Capitals goaltender, shared similar experiences, stating, “I think he realizes how powerful it is and how dangerous it can be when your own teammate is in there.”

The high-stakes matchup was a rollercoaster for both teams. The first period saw five goals, with Josh Doan and Michael Carcone netting two early goals for Utah. Washington responded with goals from Tom Wilson and Pierre-Luc Dubois, allowing the Capitals to keep pace.

Utah increased their advantage in the second period when Dylan Guenther scored, making it 4-2. Washington made a late comeback attempt, with goals from Dylan Strome and Wilson. Wilson’s goal, set up by Ovechkin, tied the game with just 1:31 left in regulation, sending the contest into overtime.

No goals were scored in overtime, prompting the game to be decided in a shootout. Nick Schmaltz scored the decisive goal for Utah, while Vejmelka made key saves to secure the win for the visiting team.

The statistics reveal that the Capitals outshot the Hockey Club 43-28 and dominated the faceoff circle, winning 58.6% of attempts. Despite these advantages, the Capitals couldn’t clinch the victory.

As the Capitals turn their focus to the lengthy break, with a record of 36-11-8, they hope to recover and return revitalized for the season’s second half. Ovechkin’s continued performance remains vital as the team regroups for upcoming challenges.

With the Four Nations Face-Off break approaching, Utah will take a moment to reflect on their recent games before facing the Los Angeles Kings on February 22.