Capitals Edge Bruins As Ovechkin Chases History

The Boston Bruins returned to TD Garden on April 1, 2025, looking to snap an eight-game losing streak against the formidable Washington Capitals. With the Capitals in town, the Bruins faced not only the challenge of overcoming their recent struggles but also the looming presence of Alex Ovechkin, who was just four goals shy of tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record of 894.

Interim head coach Joe Sacco emphasized the importance of mindset heading into the game. "It’s about getting our mindset focused to win a hockey game and how we go about doing it,” he said, according to a team-provided transcript. “But also, the part about the pride and the privilege. I’ve talked about those two things. I think that’s huge for our guys… There’s a lot of opportunity here for some of our players that have come up now, players from different teams. There’s the opportunity factor, but then there’s the pride. The pride of being a Boston Bruin. The pride of being a good teammate, trying to win hockey games.”

As the puck dropped at 7 p.m. ET, the Bruins were keen to show that their recent form would not define them. The game was preceded by an hour of pregame coverage on NESN, and anticipation filled the air as fans gathered to witness a clash between two teams with very different trajectories this season.

The Bruins, with a record of 30-35-9, were struggling offensively, having scored only seven goals over their last five games, which tied for the worst in the league. In stark contrast, the Capitals boasted a record of 47-17-9 and were averaging 3.64 goals per game over their last 14 contests.

In a notable lineup change, Charlie McAvoy was making progress after an injury sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off, while Ian Mitchell continued to fill a role on the blue line. Jeremy Swayman was confirmed to start in net for the Bruins, while the Capitals would counter with Charlie Lindgren.

For the Capitals, the night was particularly special as Ryan Leonard made his NHL debut. The young prospect had recently signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team and was eager to make an impact in front of his family and friends in Boston, his hometown. Leonard had scored 30 goals in 37 games during his last NCAA season, and expectations were high for his performance.

The first period saw the Capitals dominate early, registering seven of the first nine shots on goal. At 13:32, Nic Dowd opened the scoring with a short-handed goal, putting the Capitals ahead 1-0. Just over two minutes later, at 15:42, Ovechkin scored a power-play goal—his 891st career goal—extending the lead to 2-0.

Ovechkin's goal brought him closer to history, as he needed just four more to tie Gretzky’s record. The Capitals ended the first period leading 2-0 and outshooting the Bruins 11 to 4.

The second period saw a shift in momentum as the Bruins began to find their footing. Vinni Lettieri scored at 6:05, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The Bruins continued to press, and at 17:11, David Pastrnak tied the game with a power-play goal, marking his 36th of the season. Pastrnak's goal came from a deflection off a slap pass from Morgan Geekie, showcasing the Bruins' resilience.

As the teams headed into the third period tied 2-2, the excitement in the arena was palpable. The Capitals had dominated the first period, but the Bruins had made a statement in the second, demonstrating that they were not ready to go down without a fight.

Despite the tie, the Capitals remained confident. Ovechkin, who had one goal and two shots through two periods, was eager to break the record. His presence on the ice commanded attention, and his teammates rallied around him, looking to capitalize on the momentum shift.

As the third period unfolded, the intensity increased. Both teams exchanged opportunities, with the Capitals striving to regain the lead and the Bruins aiming to secure their first victory in nearly a month. The game was a battle of wills, with each team showcasing their strengths and weaknesses.

Throughout the contest, the Bruins’ struggles were evident, particularly in their inability to capitalize on power-play opportunities. Swayman faced numerous shots, and while he made some crucial saves, the pressure from the Capitals was relentless.

In the end, the game was a microcosm of the seasons both teams were having. The Capitals, despite their recent three-game losing streak, were a powerhouse team with the potential to bounce back, while the Bruins were in desperate need of a win to turn their season around.

As the clock wound down, the excitement continued to build. Fans were on the edge of their seats, hoping for a dramatic finish. The Capitals were determined to end their losing streak, while the Bruins were fighting for pride and a much-needed victory.

In the post-game analysis, Sacco reflected on the importance of the game and the lessons learned. “We want to play a good hockey game. I thought that in Detroit we played a pretty good hockey game for the most part and that’s what we want to see. We’re looking for effort, we’re looking for guys to play with pride and to understand the privilege that it is to play in this league,” he stated.

As the Capitals prepared for their next matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, the focus remained on Ovechkin and his pursuit of Gretzky’s record. With the playoffs approaching, every game was crucial, and the Capitals were poised to make a deep run.

In a league where fortunes can change rapidly, the Capitals were looking to capitalize on their talent and experience, while the Bruins aimed to rebuild and find their way back to winning ways. The night at TD Garden was just one chapter in a long season, but for both teams, it was a pivotal moment in their respective journeys.