When the Capitals needed a goal the most, they got one from the most likely source.
Alex Ovechkin's goal early in the second period has brought the Caps back to a 2-2 tie with the Red Wings after 40 minutes.
Ovechkin, one night removed from having just one shot on net, would score on his first of the game at 5:53. On an outlet pass from Alexander Semin, Ovechkin would rush through the neutral zone. He would use Brad Stuart as a screen and fire a quick wrist shot through Stuart that beat Jimmy Howard high over his blocker. It was Ovechkin's 29th goal of the season and fourth in his last five games.
Michal Neuvirth made 16 saves in the period to keep the Caps within striking distance. The Caps will have 1:21 of power play time to work with at the start of the third period after Jonathan Ericsson interfered with Marcus Johansson.