June 3 (UPI) -- Alex Ovechkin started the scoring in the Washington Capitals' 3-1 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals.
The Capitals earned a 2-1 lead in the series Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
And Ovi's score was a beauty.
The Capitals superstar put his team ahead in the second period after a scoreless first frame. Evgeny Kuznetsov took the initial shot on the play. Marc-Andre Fleury saved the attempt, but deflected the puck out to John Carlson. The Capitals defenseman also had his shot blocked.
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Ovechkin then came flying in and jumped over the back of Brayden McNabb. He shot the puck while diving and beat Fleury on his stick side 1:10 into the period.
The Capitals went up 2-0 on a filthy finish from Kuznetsov. The center skated down the right flank before sniping a wrist shot under Fleury's armpit 12:50 into the frame.
Vegas cut the lead in half 3:29 into the third period, capitalizing on a Braden Holtby error.
The Capitals net minder went behind the net to grab a loose puck and sent it back in front of the goal. But his feed was deflected by Vegas' Pierre-Eduouard Bellemare. The puck then found the stick of Tomas Nosek, who beat Holtby back to the net to light the lamp.
Vegas threatened the Washington net down the stretch, but came up empty after Nosek's score. Devante Smith-Pelly beat Fleury glove side with 6:06 remaining the increase the Capitals' lead.
Game 4 of the series is set for 8 p.m. Monday in Washington.
