And That's 14.

The Capitals had another terrible first period today putting them down 2-0.

Ovechkin looked to be bringing his team back into the game as he scored first in the second, but two Jordan Staal goals in between Ovechkin and Fehr’s left the Caps down 4-2 at the end of the second.

But living up to his normal ability to pull the team together and rally them for a win, Ovechkin netted two more in the third for the tie.

It took Mike Knuble to finish the Pens off in OT; final score 5-4 WAS.

So that’s the game recap but it doesn’t do today’s game any justice.

The first period was frustrating and hard to watch as the Penguins dominated and the Caps looked to be struggling to find any chemistry. At times I thought Boudreau’s head was going to explode. I can imagine his frustration as the Caps have been a little shaky on first periods as of late. (Then again I always think of them as a team that likes a good 3rd period push.)

I will be the first to admit that I didn’t think naming Ovechkin captain was a good idea. Today he proved me wrong and I’ll admit it. While everyone knows that he’s the face of the team, he really does seem to be their heart as well. His fight, determination and skill snapped the Caps awake and took them to overtime. And isn’t that really what a Captain is supposed to do? Put the fight back into the team and right the ship when the path has become skewed?

And while Ovechkin and Crosby lived up to the hype, it wasn’t just about them. There were a lot of other players on the ice and you knew it with all the pushing, shoving and fighting going on today.

The thing about the Caps during this 14 game winning streak, and this season for that matter, is that they possess the ability to make an impact in the playoffs. They do not let falling behind stop them, when the big guns get shut down the supporting casts fills in, and no matter how many goals they have scored in a game, they want more.

Drive, determination and perseverance is what is allowing this team to succeed. And I for one am glad that they pulled up from behind to win this one. It showed their grit and determination. And most importantly it showed that they can control the outcome of their games.

(This appears on www.crashthecrease.com)