Alex Ovechkin was not going to be denied. As Brayden McNabb tried to keep him away from the front of the net, the Capitals star dove over the kneeling Vegas defenseman — knocking in a rebound with his backhand.
After scoring Saturday night’s first goal in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Ovechkin celebrated with the same unbridled joy that has become a symbol of this unprecedented playoff run for the Capitals and the team’s fans.
“He’s so emotional about playing for the Cup,” Capitals coach Barry Trotz said before the game. “It’s something he always wanted to do.