When Alex Ovechkin lays a thunderous hit in the early minutes of a game, it’s often an indicator that the Washington Capitals captain is feeling sharp, engaged and dangerous.
Just under eight minutes into the first period Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers, Ovechkin popped Flyers defenseman Cam York with a firm but largely unremarkable shove. Sixteen seconds later, Ovechkin went back for more — with much more force. The second time around, the glass rattled as Ovechkin made contact with York, and the crowd at Capital One Arena noticed.