The Daily: Ovechkin vs. Red Wings in Big Game; Landeskog News

It’s hard for the Detroit Red Wings to appreciate the Alex Ovechkin chase of Wayne Gretzky’s scoring record when they desperately need a win over Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals tonight.

But Detroit coach Todd McLellan was asked whether he originally believed Ovechkin, now eight goals behind, would catch The Great One.

“Hope he’s not going to break it (tonight). That would be ugly,” McLellan said. “No, I didn’t think it would be broken.”

Ovechkin has eight goals in his past 11 games. And it’s critical for the Red Wings to stop him, considering how important this game is to them. Detroit is two points out of a playoff spot with 15 games remaining.

“You know where (Ovechkin) is,” McLellan said. “Teams have just went and stood right beside him and he’s still good enough to get in the opening. He’s good enough to fire pucks through people. He’s powerful enough to do that. But their team and their power play evolution has also allowed him to roam around a little bit. He’s not always just in that spot. When somebody takes him away. He and (defenseman John) Carlson are prepared to rotate and move around.”

Ovechkin has said that he probably won’t sign another NHL contract, and hopes to perhaps end his career with Moscow Dynamo in the KHL.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Jonathan Berggren is doing what he can with the ice time he receives.

Red Wings have another hot young goalie and it’s not Sebastian Cossa or Trey Augustine. 

Coach Todd McLellan already has a comfort level with new Detroit goalie Petr Mrazek.

Can Lucas Raymond get on the kind of roll he was on last season at this time? The Red Wings are hoping that’s the case.

Red Wings Extra

Eleven days ago, the Red Wings traveled to D.C. and lost 5-2 to the Capitals. Detroit led this game 2-1 going into the third period and then gave up four unanswered goals, including two shorthanded tallies. Washington  (44-15-8) own the NHL’s second-best record and the Spencer Carbery-coach Capitals are very strong at home (21-7-6). McLellan said Petr Mrazek (2-1, 2.00, .920) is Detroit’s likely starter in goal.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Sabres do the Red Wings a favor by upending the Boston Bruins.

Colorado: Gabriel Landeskog participates in a practice, but he’s still not cleared for contact. Colorado Avalanche. 

Pittsburgh: The Penguins don’t see themselves as a lost cause. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: Sheng Peng ranks the Sharks’ top prospects. San Jose Sharks.