NHL Recap: Feb 3, 2014 – Wild, Wild Washington

There were just 2 games in the NHL on Super Bowl Sunday, as the NHL wisely cedes the stage of the sporting world to the juggernaut NFL.  Here is the NHL recap for February 2nd.

Feb 2, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 6-5 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

• A wild one in Washington, and unfortunately for Senators fans, a 3 point game involving two teams they are battling with for positioning.  Alex Ovechkin scored in overtime to give the Capitals a 6-5 win over the Detroit Red Wings.  It was a game of catch-up for the Wings, as Washington took leads of 2-0, 3-1, 4-2 and 5-4.  Detroit earned a point despite never having the lead, and Gustav Nyquist‘s first NHL hat trick and 4 point game wasn’t enough.  Joel Ward (2G, 1A) and Jason Chimera (1G, 2A) led the way for the Caps, with John Carlson and Troy Brouwer adding singles in regulation.  Tomas Tatar and Justin Abdelkader had the other goals for Detroit.
• In a much tamer game, the Winnipeg Jets continued their run under coach Paul Maurice, skating home with a 2-1 decision over the Montreal Canadiens.  Michael Frolik had the winner early in the third after a Carey Price giveaway.  Tobias Enstrom and Brian Gionta had earlier exchanged second period goals after a scoreless first.  Al Montoya improved to 10-4-1 on the season, making 30 saves for the win. For the second day in a row, the Canadiens had an altercation with the opposing goalie, with Daniel Briere mixing it up with Montoya at the final buzzer.

There are 7 games on Monday night, including the Senators visiting the Penguins.  Check back tomorrow for a recap of the action.