PITTSBURGH — Alex Ovechkin was frustrated by his lackluster performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Washington Capitals 3-2 loss Wednesday night.
“I didn’t play my game at all tonight. Me personally, I have to play much better,” Ovechkin said.
Ovechkin did not score and only took two shots on goal. He took a penalty for slashing early in the third period, when the Capitals were trying to make a comeback.
“I didn’t control the puck well,” he continued. “I make stupid decisions. Unfortunately it happened.”
Capitals coach Barry Trotz did not mention Ovechkin by name, but said that he was dissatisfied with some of his best players’ performances.
“I didn’t think our top guys really stepped up today which was very unfortunate for us,” Trotz said.
To be a non-factor is doubly frustrating for Ovechkin in a game where his rival, Sidney Crosby, did not play. Should the Capitals go on to lose this series with Crosby watching in his street clothes, Ovechkin will certainly draw criticism.
The Capitals are not yet out of the series, but face elimination in Game 5 Saturday at Verizon Center.
• Nora Princiotti can be reached at nprinciotti@washingtontimes.com.
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