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Video: Ovechkin breaks even-strength goal slump

Dallas Stars v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 01: during an NHL game at Verizon Center on April 1, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Dallas Stars won, 5-0. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

Patrick Smith

However you feel about plus/minus as a stat, it was hard to dismiss the fact that Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin hadn’t scored an even-strength goal (or point) since Feb. 27.

He changed that on Friday, scoring the only goal of the first period against the New Jersey Devils tonight:

That has to be a relief, as he ended a 16-game drought at even-strength.

To be fair, that tally seemed somewhat reminiscent of the type of goals he’s been scoring regularly on the power play. The Los Angeles Kings captured his love for shooting from that spot in late March:

Regardless, he’s now at 49 goals for the season and might be the only player who could end up with 50 in 2013-14. (Though Corey Perry and others do at least have a shot.)

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins