The Daily: How Ovi is Hurting the Red Wings; Crazy AHL Goal

The Washington Capitals are surging at the right time and Alex Ovechkin is the power source. Washington won a wild 7-6 shootout decision over the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night to pull within one point of the Detroit Red Wings for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Caps have won four of their last five games. Ovechkin has six goals and seven points in his past four games. Ovechkin, whose season numbers are down by his standards, has played at a higher level lately. He had a goal and an assist in the win against Carolina.  Prior to his goal scoring streak, Ovechkin had two goals in 11 games.

Washington GM Brian MacLellan was a seller at the NHL trade deadline, usually a sign of surrender when it comes to the playoffs.

Moneypuck.com says the Capitals have a 48.6% probability of qualifying for the playoffs, while the Red Wings are at 38.2%.

The Red Wings and Capitals play next week in D.C.

Memorable AHL Goal

The Bakersfield Condors say this is the greatest goal the franchise has ever produced. It’s certainly a one-in-a-million tally.

The greatest goal we've ever scored. #Condorstown pic.twitter.com/DDATKCwpH6

— Bakersfield Condors (@Condors) March 23, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• If the Red Wings qualify for the players, who will be the team’s goalie? Ville Husso, Alex Lyon and James Reimer have all had their moments this season.
• Coach Derek Lalonde‘s Detroit squad has one game on its upcoming schedule that is more important than the other. It’s the one game it has to win.
• Detroit has won three of its last four and the Identity Line has played a big role in that success.
• Paywall story: Tim Robinson profiles one of the Red Wings 2023 draft prospects who is flying under the radar in terms of the success he is having. To subscribe, click here. We are offering $10 off subscriptions. Use the promo code kevin10.

Red Wings Next Game

How do you slow down the Nashville Predators express? That’s the challenge the Red Wings will have Saturday when they have a road game against the NHL’s hottest team. Nashville is 14-0-2.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jimmy Murphy explains how the Boston Bruins have enough cap space to make some moves in the upcoming offseason.

Florida: George Richards wonders whether the Florida Panthers can get right with a strong performance in a nationally-televised game against the New York Rangers.

Montreal: Prospect David Reinbacher scored his first AHL goal on his first AHL shot on goal. Montreal Canadiens.