Alex Ovechkin and his team were looking for a much-needed spark on the power play Tuesday against the New York Rangers, But as Ovechkin received a pass off the boards during the regroup, he fumbled it to Mika Zibanejad and found himself floundering as New York pulled off a tic-tac-toe play the other way for a shorthanded goal.
It was a glaring moment for the Capitals captain, one he took accountability for postgame.
"Yeah, it was kind of weird bounce, and I think Zibanejad played stick-on-stick," Ovechkin said. "How I said, lucky bounce, but I have to play safer, especially in that kind of moment."
It was also another example of Ovechkin's struggles to open this first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Through two games, he has gone pointless, is a minus-1 and has managed just one shot on Igor Shesterkin.
"I thought the first two games, he looks a little bit off. He's struggling," Carbery acknowledged.
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Carbery also noted that the Rangers gave Ovechkin a difficult matchup, more often than not containing him with Vincent Trocheck's line and first and second pairings.
"He's a player that can make a difference in a game. We're mindful of that and do our best to check him," New York bench boss Peter Laviolette said.
Washington is hoping that a return to home ice can spark the captain, especially with the team getting last change and having a better handle on the matchups, but the Capitals are also confident in Ovechkin's ability to bounce back.
After all, they saw it this season, as he returned from the All-Star Break with a vengeance and had 23 goals in the final 36 games of the season after managing just eight through the opening 46 games of the campaign.
"He can flip it. Like that's one thing about O, he can flip it in one game and now he can all the sudden be a difference-maker and help us win a game or be a driver in winning us a game on home ice," Carbery said. "There's no doubt we're in a difficult spot going back home but being able to play on home ice."
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Washington is a better team when Ovechkin is on his game. That said, he needs to be more mobile and prioritize shooting over passing. Controlling the matchup should also help, but Ovechkin also has to work to separate himself from the Rangers' defense.
The Capitals may also want to consider changing up his line and putting him back with Dylan Strome or Hendrix Lapierre to provide a different look.
Ultimately, as he navigates his 15th Stanley Cup Playoffs, D.C. is hoping he finds the answer — and quick — to avoid a sweep.
"We drive through No. 8," T.J. Oshie said.
"We have to stick together," Ovechkin said of what has to change to turn things around at home.
Game 3 is on Friday at Capital One Arena.
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