Watch: Alex Ovechkin Knocks Out Andrei Svechnikov in Game 3

Capitals star Alex Ovechkin knocked out the Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov.

Capitals star Alex Ovechkin knocked out the Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov in Carolina's Game 3 win in the first round of the NHL playoffs Monday. 

The fight occured halfway through the first period with Carolina ahead 1–0. The two dropped gloves to brawl before Ovechkin pummeled rookie Svechnikov with three right jabs.

Alexander Ovechkin fought.

Alexander Ovechkin won.

Handily. pic.twitter.com/MhSqqIFShI

— SI Media (@SISportsMedia) April 15, 2019

Svechnikov lay on the ice, struggling to get up following the fight as a trainer came to attend him. He had to be helped off the ice. Both were handed a five-minute fighting major.

It was Ovechkin's fourth career fight and first since 2010, according to HockeyFights.com.

Following the game, Ovechkin said he hopes Svechnikov is OK and Svechnikov challenged him to the fight.

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour gave no update on Svechnikov who was gone by the time he got to the locker room after the game. 

"One guy’s gloves comes off way first," Brind'Amour said. "And that’s Ovi, not our guy. So it’s a little bit frustrating because he got hurt. It's his first fight. He's played 90 games. He’s never fought in his life, and I'm pretty sure Ovi knew that. So that stuff bothers me."

Washington leads the series, 2–1.