Caps Play Big Part in Russian Victory

The Washington Capitals may have been eliminated in the first round of the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but plenty of Capitals still made their impacts felt at the World Hockey Championships in Quebec City.  Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, and Sergei Fedorov all played important roles in leading Russia to its first world title since 1993.

The Russians defeated Canada in the finals of the tournament, winning 5-4 in overtime on a power-play goal from the Atlanta Thrashers' Ilya Kovalchuk.  Canada's Rick Nash was in the penalty box for firing the puck over the glass.  Russia took advantage of the power play, with Kovalchuk streaking into the Canadian zone and wristing a shot over Cam Ward's right shoulder for the winner.  Kovalchuk, who entered the game without a single goal in the tournament, tied the game in the third period, erasing a 4-2 Canadian lead with 5:14 left in regulation before winning it in the extra session.    

Alexander Semin scored the first two goals of the game for Russia.  His first tally was assisted by Washington teammates Ovechkin and Fedorov.  Semin also registered an assist in the victory, while Ovechkin and Fedorov teamed up again to assist on Kovalchuk's OT winner.

Following the emotional triumph, Ovechkin was seen skating around the ice kissing his gold medal.  Capitals fans can only hope to see a similar celebration next season, except they'd like that World Championship gold medal replaced with the Stanley Cup.