It wasn't the most exciting showdown between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators, but instead, a goalie duel between rising starter Logan Thompson and rookie Leevi Meriläinen. Then, Alex Ovechkin did what he does best: steal the show.

The Ottawa Senators fell short against the NHL-leading Washington Capitals in Thursday's 1-0 overtime loss, but proved they can hold their own against the best.

In their final home game prior to their longest road trip of the 2024-25 season, the Caps host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night at Capital One Arena. Saturday’s game is also the Caps’ lone Metropolitan Division matchup in a span of 14 games and 32 days.

Washington Capitals (30-10-5, 65 points, 1st place Metropolitan Division) When: 7:00 p.m. ET How to Watch: Broadcasting on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and Monumental in the local markets, streaming on ESPN+ Pens’ Path Ahead: The Pens are headed out West.

Artemi Panarin scored twice, Chris Kreider got the go-ahead goal with 9:38 left and the New York Rangers rallied for a 5-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night. Reilly Smith tied it 3-all with a short-handed goal 28 seconds into the third period for the Rangers,

After a scoreless 60 minutes, of course it was Alex Ovechkin to lift the Capitals in the three-on-three extra period.

Dylan Larkin scored two goals and the surging Detroit Red Wings beat the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Thursday night.

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored with 1:53 left in overtime to give the Washington Capitals a 1-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.

The 39-year-old winger took a pass from Rasmus Sandin on a 2-on-1 breakaway and fired it past rookie Leevi Merilainen, the record 179th goaltender he's scored on.

Alex Ovechkin scored at 3:07 of overtime to lift the visiting Washington Capitals over the Ottawa Senators 1-0 on Thursday night. Ovechkin took a pass from Rasmus Sandin on the rush and beat Leevi Merilainen from the left circle for his 874th NHL goal.

OTTAWA -- Alex Ovechkin scored his 874th NHL goal at 3:07 of overtime, giving the Washington Capitals a 1-0 win against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Dylan Larkin scored two goals and the surging Detroit Red Wings beat the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Thursday night. Larkin, Jonatan Berggren and Patrick Kane had power-play goals for Detroit, which also got a goal from Marco Kasper. Cam Talbot stopped 40 shots for the Red Wings, who have won eight of their last nine games.