Through three games in their second round series with Carolina, Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals are in trouble. The Hurricanes now own a 2-1 series edge after blanking Washington 4-0 on Saturday.

The Washington Capitals knocked down reports that next year will be all-time leading goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin’s last in the NHL, saying no decision has been made on the Russian’s future.

No, of course not. But Ovechkin has been the sun in the Capitals’ universe for two decades. It was no different in his 20th season. He has driven them. He drives them still.

Through three games in their second round series with Carolina, Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals are in trouble. The Hurricanes now own a 2-1 series edge after blanking Washington 4-0 on Saturday.

Besides Ovechkin and Thompson's award consideration, Aliaksei Protas, PIerre-Luc Dubois and Nic Dowd also earned Selke votes, while John Carlson and Jakob. Chychrun earned Norris consideration.

With Strome and Ovechkin on the ice at five-on-five in the series, Washington has been out-attempted 34-22, been outshot 18-9, been outchanced 18-11 and lost high-danger chances by a margin of 10-6.

Ovechkin finished the season with 897 career goals, two more than Gretzky. Barring a career-ending injury (knock on wood) he'll become the first player in NHL history to reach 900.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin scores a goal in the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. The goal was the 895th of Ovechkin’s career, breaking the NHL all-time ...