Ovechkin downplayed it as “a goal is a goal,” but the OT winner put an exclamation point on a vintage performance by the 39-year-old winger, who also led Washington with seven hits and scored on the power play late in the first period.

Alex Ovechkin scores twice, including the first overtime playoff goal of his career, as the Capitals beat the Canadiens, 3-2, in Game 1 after blowing a late two-goal lead.

Fifteen days after toppling Wayne Gretzky from the peak of the NHL’s career goals ledger, Caps captain Alex Ovechkin came through with a pair of massive goals on Monday to help the Caps to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the best-of-seven first round set between the two teams.