WASHINGTON — The Detroit Red Wings knew the history at stake, knew their role in it — but had other plans.
Monday’s game against the Washington Capitals was another opportunity for Alex Ovechkin to make history, but for the Wings, it was a chance to end a losing streak. They had to settle for a point — and some satisfaction in denying Ovechkin — after losing, 4-3, in overtime.
Dmitry Orlov scored on an one-timer with 22 seconds left in the extra period to extend the Wings’ winless streak to six games.
Ville Husso faced 42 shots. He made a big save on Ovechkin with about four minutes to play in regulation as fans chanted “Ovi, Ovi,” and stopped another attempt on a wrist shot from the right circle, one of three shots on goal Ovechkin had through regulation.
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Howe special
With Alex Ovechkin trying for his 801st goal to tie Gordie Howe for second in NHL history, Howe’s sons, Mark and Marty, were at the game. Gordie Howe played 25 of his 26 NHL seasons and scored 786 goals with the Wings, and Mark Howe also played for the Wings, and worked for them as a scout for numerous years.
Speaking during second intermission, Mark said that, “it was kind of fitting,” for Ovechkin to have the opportunity to get the record against the Wings. “I want the Red Wings to get a point out of this. Ideally this game goes to OT and Ovi scores a goal.”
Kind of blue
David Perron, signed in the offseason to boost scoring, delivered his 10th goal at 7:30 of the first period. Michael Rasmussen sent the puck to the net, and Perron flicked a backhand shot over Charlie Lindgren. Dylan Larkin also assisted; Rasmussen played on the line so that Larkin, who hurt his right hand Dec. 13, did not have to take draws. Another former Blues player added to the lead during a power play. Oskar Sundqvist, acquired at last season’s trade deadline, made it 2-0 at 15:36 when he knocked the puck in from just outside the crease.
Capitals strike back
Knowing he would be on a clip shown over and over again when Ovechkin nets his next two goals could wallop a goaltender, but Ville Husso is as even-keeled as they come, and he consistently has delivered solid goaltending. He had a good game going when Nic Dowd scored twice in 11 seconds in the second period. Dowd’s second goal was a redirect of former Wings defenseman Nick Jensen’s feed. Eric Gustafsson scored a minute and 10 seconds after Lucas Raymond gave the Wings a lead off a two-on-one rush.
Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter. Her latest book, “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.