Alex Ovechkin Helps Caps Win First Game

The Washington Capitals defeated the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday afternoon at Verizon Center with help from Alexander Ovechkin and his first goal of the NHL season on a power play.  John Erskine chipped in with a surprise goal and Joel Ward scored his team-leading 3rd goal of the season in the 3-2 victory.

The Sabres struck first and the hundreds of Buffalo fans at Verizon Center made a lot of noise.  But the Caps fought back and took a lead in the 2nd period that they did not relinquish.

Ovi had a chance to seal the game but the great 8 ended up hitting the post and giving the Buffalo Sabres one more chance to tie the game.  Earlier in the period, Ovechkin scored what turned out to be the game winner on a powerplay, his first goal of the season.




Watch as he misses the empty netter:

Mike Ribiero continued to prove why he was such a key pickup notching 2 more assists, giving him 5 on the season.  Erskine also had a monster "old school" hockey type of game with over 20 minutes on the ice.  Aside from the goal, his name was mentioned by Joe B over and over again.  (Check out his smile after the goal).  

Oh, and Ovechkin laid out another dude (watch here)

Next up is Tuesday night in Ottawa