Alex Ovechkin shreds Rangers for incredible OT goal, No. 499 (Video)

For those saying there’s something intrinsically different about the Washington Capitals this season, file this 4-3 overtime win away as evidence.

They blew a 2-0 lead in the third period, allowing three New York Rangers goals and threatening to lose in regulation for the first time in the 23 games where they had a lead through 40 minutes.

But with 6 seconds left, Justin Williams fired the puck from the blue line. Henrik Lundqvist saved it, but Nicklas Backstrom sent the rebound past him to tie the game and send it to the 3-on-3 overtime.

That’s where Alex Ovechkin did made magic. After Braden Holtby prevented some.

Holtby, arguably the NHL’s top goaltender this season, flashed his left pad to stop a golden chance to win the game by Derek Stepan of the Rangers. Announcer Joe Beninati called it “supernatural,” but that was before Ovechkin scored his otherworldly goal.

Taking the Holtby rebound, Ovechkin circled behind his own net. He found another gear down left wing, passing all three Rangers defenders while cutting to the slot and firing the puck past Lundqvist.

The Capitals won, 4-3.

"I just used my speed to beat them 1-on-1. Made a move to the middle, and put it in," said Ovechkin.

For the Capitals captain, it was his second goal of the game and No. 499 of his career. Will he get No. 500 tomorrow night at home against Ottawa?

"I'm going to take it game by game. If I score, I score. I'm still going to score a goal sooner or later," said Ovechkin.

It’s one of the most electrifying goals for Ovechkin in recent memory, in a career that’s had its share of them. It’s another clutch save for Holtby, in a season when he’s made his share of them. And it’s another character building win for the Capitals, on a journey that could result in unprecedented glory for Ovechkin and his franchise.

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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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