Marc-Andre Fleury had one thought when facing Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Monday night: “Not today.”
Fleury made 24 saves, denying Ovechkin his 699th career goal, and the Vegas Golden Knights secured a 3-2 win over Washington. Max Pacioretty scored his team-leading 27th goal, and the Golden Knights extended their winning streak to three games.
Ovechkin, stuck at 698 goals, was held without a point for the fifth consecutive game, which was his longest season drought. He remains tied with Henrik Lundqvist for the most goals (24) scored against a single goaltender, though Fleury was relieved to avoid being part of history.
“I’m sure he’ll get it soon,” Fleury said. “I’m just happy I’m not the goalie in all the highlights.”
Nick Holden and Reilly Smith also scored for Vegas, which improved to 7-3-2 under coach Pete DeBoer. Since taking over for Gerard Gallant on Jan. 15, DeBoer has emphasized defensive discipline, blocking shots, and sustained offensive pressure. Under his leadership, the Golden Knights rank first in the NHL in shots taken (37.2) and fourth in takeaways (102).
“I think these guys have really embraced what we’re asking, and they’re getting rewarded for it,” DeBoer said. “If we defend well and Flower (Fleury) plays the way he’s been playing, we’ve got a chance to win every night.”
T.J. Oshie scored both goals for the Capitals, who have lost four of their last five games. Braden Holtby made 26 saves in the loss, which pushed Washington to the brink of fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Vegas opened the scoring early, with Holden tipping in a pass from William Carrier for his fifth goal of the season. Smith extended the lead to 2-0 with a chip shot over Holtby’s shoulder, and Pacioretty made it 3-0 with a one-timer that slipped past Holtby.
Oshie broke Fleury’s shutout bid in the third period with a wrist shot from the right circle, then added a power-play goal two minutes later to bring the Capitals within one. But Vegas’ defense held firm, with Fleury stopping five shots and his teammates blocking four more in the final minutes.
“We’re playing really good defensively, maybe our best games of the season,” Smith said. “We’ve done a great job keeping teams to the outside and limiting second chances.”
Game Notes:
- Washington defenseman John Carlson is two points away from passing Calle Johansson (474) for the most points by a defenseman in Capitals history. Carlson assisted on Oshie’s second goal.
- Holden’s five goals are his most since scoring 11 with the New York Rangers three seasons ago.
Up Next:
- Washington: Hosts Montreal on Thursday.
- Vegas: Hosts Tampa Bay on Thursday.
