Alex Ovechkin: Goal of The Year?

Wednesday night, the Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens in a shootout thriller, 4-3.

Though the game came down to the final shot, a play in the first period will be remembered as one of the best individual highlights of the 2008-2009 regular season.

By this time, most of you have already seen the goal, but let's rewind.

The goal came just about ten minutes into the first period. Montreal was amidst a line change when the league's reigning MVP banked the puck off the boards and spun around Montreal defenseman Roman Hamerlik on his way to a partial breakaway.

Ovechkin then powered his way past Montreal forward Kyle Chipchura until he was knocked to the seat of his pants. Sliding along the ice, Ovechkin was able to roof the puck high left side past goalie Carey Price.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PQwsvFWaXk

This is not even the first time we have seen Ovechkin amaze us with a goal. January 16, 2006 against Phoenix, he scored one of the greatest hockey goals ever caught on tape.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMsaahHGtOg

Ovechkin continues to play at the top of his game and once again, he leads the league in goals. So far this season, he has 42 goals but lately has been pulling away from the rest of the pack. New Jersey Devils' Zach Parise and Philadelphia Flyers' Jeff Carter are tied for second with 34 goals.

The Capitals currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference Standings and Ovechkin is a huge reason why.

Not only will Ovechkin likely walk away with his second straight Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophy, but he may also walk away with his second straight Hart Trophy (MVP).

A Stanley Cup might also be in the not-too-distant future for the Russian star.

Maybe after this season and a potentially deep playoff run, fans will finally recognize Ovechkin as the very best player in the National Hockey League.