ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau accused the media Thursday of blowing out of proportion the controversy over Alex Ovechkin's 50th goal celebration and revealed he called Tampa Bay Lightning counterpart Rick Tocchet to talk about the superstar's antics.

The Capitals host the Lightning on Friday, the first meeting between the clubs since Ovechkin hit the 50-goal milestone at Tampa on March 19. The NHL's reigning MVP, whose on-ice exuberance had already been a source of debate around the league, took his act to a new level when he celebrated the goal by putting his stick on the ice and pretending it was too hot to touch.

After the game, Tocchet said Ovechkin "went down a notch in my books." Players, coaches and pundits have since weighed in on whether premeditation celebrations have a place in the NHL. Growing tired of the subject, Boudreau erupted Thursday when asked about the possibility that the Lightning will seek retribution.

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