The Washington Capitals added a new face to the lineup on Tuesday night as Ryan Leonard, the 8th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, made his pro debut against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The night was already special for Leonard but it got even more memorable when Alex Ovechkin scored his 891st career goal, moving closer to Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.
Leonard didn’t get a point in the 4-3 win but his presence on the ice and contributions to big moments made his debut one to won’t soon.
A Warm Welcome from Friends and Family
Before the puck dropped, Leonard skated onto the ice for warmups without his helmet, smiling from ear to ear as the crowd erupted in cheers. A bunch of friends, family, and former Boston College teammates were in attendance for his NHL debut.
“It was pretty cool,” he said after the game. “My first lap, I looked to my right, and there were a few of my teammates on the glass. They told me they’d be there, but I didn’t really believe them until that first lap.”
Leonard’s journey to this moment started just days ago. Last week, he was suiting up for the Eagles in college hockey. Now, he’s wearing the Caps’ uniform and in the spotlight on the biggest stage in hockey.
Leonard’s Impact on His First NHL Shifts
Leonard started the game on the blue line for the national anthem, taking in the NHL arena atmosphere—a far cry from his college days, even though he had played in this building before during Beanpot tournaments. His first shift lasted 32 seconds and his only shot attempt in the first period was wide. But he showed he belonged quick.
Late in the first period, he laid a big hit on Bruins forward Jeffrey Viel in the neutral zone and the crowd gasped. It was a reminder of Leonard’s fearless style of play, which has been a part of his game since day one.
“I thought he was great,” Capitals Coach Spencer Carbery said. “He had a bunch of different plays, was a big part of the goal that was going to be the game winner. Liked his plays through the neutral zone… To step into a game two days after his college season ends and play the way he did is pretty impressive.”
Ovechkin Closes In on History
While Leonard stole some of the show, the night belonged to Alex Ovechkin who scored his 891st career goal to put Washington up 2-0 in the 1st. The goal came off a nice feed from center Dylan Strome who found Ovechkin sneaking to the doorstep.
Captain Ovechkin is now 4 goals away from Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. With each milestone the anticipation grows among fans and teammates.
“What is it, 4 now? Getting close,” Carbery said after the game. “You can feel it. You can definitely feel it.”
A Back-and-Forth Battle Against the Bruins
The game was a wild ride. After taking a 2-0 lead into the second period, the Caps struggled to hold on. Vinni Lettieri cut the lead to 2-1 mid 2nd and David Pastrnak tied the game late in the period.
The turning point came early 3rd when Leonard helped set up Dylan Strome’s go ahead goal. His puck recoveries and smart passes kept the play alive and eventually led to a rebound opportunity that Strome buried.
Later, Tom Wilson extended the lead to 2 goals with a fluke deflection off a Bruins defender. But Pastrnak responded seconds later with his 2nd of the night and it was a 1 goal game again.
With under 2 minutes left the Bruins pulled goalie Jeremy Swayman for an extra attacker. Ovechkin had an empty net chance but missed wide and left the door open until the final buzzer.