During the first three games of this season's series between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins, there was plenty of offense to go around. But as Alex Ovechkin proved Monday, all you need is one.
Ovechkin's second period power play goal would end up as the game winner as the Caps defeated the Penguins 1-0 in the regular season finale between these two teams.
Michal Neuvirth earned his third career shutout, making 39 saves to keep Washington in the game and in the lead.
On the Caps' third power play of the game, Mike Knuble brought the puck into the zone alongside the right boards and fired a tough-angle shot on Marc-Andre Fleury. The rebound popped out and up into the air. Marcus Johansson caught it, placed it down and found Ovechkin entering the zone. Ovechkin would then fire a laser of a slapshot past Fleury for his 24th goal of the season at 16:38.
Washington is now 10-0-2 in its last 12 contests against Pittsburgh and has shut the Penguins out in consecutive games after not doing so for 79 straight contests. Washington ended the season series with a 3-0-1 record.
Despite being outshot 39-24, the Capitals now inch closer to the top of the Eastern Conference; they are now three points behind the Penguins and just one point behind Southeast Division leader Tampa Bay. With a 3-2-0 record on their five-game road trip, the Caps head home and will face the New York Rangers Friday in yet another important matchup.