An old adage says that the best way to fend off a shark is punching it in the nose. Unfortunately, the San Jose Sharks struck the first blow, but Alex Ovechkin answered back,
Ovechkin's power play goal came just 22 seconds after Joe Pavelski's shorthanded tally as the Caps and Sharks are tied at 1-1 after 20 minutes.
A chippy first period that featured 17 total hits took a more offensive turn within the last two minutes. With Ben Eager in the penalty box for tripping Ovechkin, the Caps won the draw in the offensive zone. The puck was sent out to John Carlson on the right point, but he couldn't corral the puck. Patrick Marleau got to the puck first and raced down the boards, finding Pavelski on a 2-on-1 for a shorthanded goal at 18:49. It was Pavelski's first first period goal of the season.
Ovechkin, who tied Wednesday's game with the Anaheim Ducks at 1-1, did the same thing just 22 seconds later. While still on the power play, crisp movement of the puck led to Ovechkin being open in the high slot. He would rip the puck past Antti Niemi for his 23rd goal of the season.
Washington holds a 9-6 shot advantage.