Alex Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, scored his first career Stanley Cup Playoff overtime goal Monday, lifting his team to a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round. The dramatic victory stirred memories of a similar moment nearly six decades ago, involving another storied captain.
Jean Beliveau, a legend for the Canadiens, scored the only overtime goal of his playoff career on April 24, 1969. That goal secured a 2-1 double-overtime win against the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of the Semifinals, eliminating the Bruins and propelling Montreal toward another Stanley Cup championship.
Ovechkin's winner came 2:26 into overtime in his 152nd NHL postseason game, the 46th that extended beyond regulation. The goal capped a Capitals comeback after the Canadiens had rallied in the third period to force the extra frame. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at Capital One Arena.
Beliveau's historic goal occurred in his 138th playoff game and 23rd overtime appearance. It beat Bruins goalie Gerry Cheevers and extended a remarkable streak of playoff dominance Montreal held over Boston dating back to 1946.
The play leading to Beliveau's goal began when Canadiens checking forward Claude Provost wrestled the puck away from a Bruins defenseman. As Beliveau turned back toward his own end, expecting lost possession, Provost delivered a pass. Beliveau released a quick snap shot for the winner.
Beyond that singular overtime marker, Jean Beliveau holds numerous Canadiens playoff records, including most points (176) and power-play goals (26). He is second in goals (82) behind Maurice "Rocket" Richard and third in assists (97) behind Larry Robinson and Robinson. He also won the inaugural Conn Smythe Trophy in 1965 and scored the fastest regulation winning goal in a Stanley Cup Final game (14 seconds).
Ovechkin, like Beliveau, is also a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, earning the honor in 2018 when he led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup title. His overtime goal adds another chapter to his own legacy as a clutch playoff performer, drawing parallels to the long-awaited winner by the Montreal legend.
The Game 1 battle offered a tense preview of the series ahead, leaving fans on edge as playoff hockey often does.
"I suppose my playoff record is pretty good," Beliveau said in understatement. "I think I'm still up there a bit. I always enjoyed the playoffs. Not only the players, but management and the fans are very nervous."
