The matchup between the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets on March 26, 2025, not only marked a crucial point in the NHL regular season but also showcased the remarkable talent of Alexander Ovechkin. Despite the Capitals taking a 2-3 defeat in overtime, Ovechkin managed to score his 889th career goal, inching closer to Wayne Gretzky’s legendary record.
The Capitals, who were vying for first place in the NHL standings, faced significant pressure going into the game. Ovechkin, the captain of the Capitals, remarked that the intensity of this match felt akin to that of a playoff game. “In the beginning of the second period, we created several good opportunities, and in the third, after being down by one, we pressed hard and were rewarded. It felt like a playoff game both mentally and physically,” he said in a post-game interview provided by the NHL’s official website.
The action began early when Josh Morrissey of the Jets put the home team on the board at just seven minutes into the first period. The Capitals, however, rallied back just 40 seconds before the first intermission with an equalizing goal from Andrew Mangiapane, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
Winnipeg continued to push, and Mason Appleton scored in the second period, giving the Jets a temporary lead as they entered the final stanza. The Capitals showed determination as they battled for control throughout the third period. It was during this decisive moment that Ovechkin notched his milestone goal, bringing his total to 889 regular season goals.
With this accomplishment, Ovechkin is now just six goals shy of breaking Gretzky's all-time regular season record of 894 goals. Ovechkin said, “It’s a fun time, of course. I just need to enjoy it. Of course, this is a special moment for me now. Everyone is watching this chase. Everyone is paying attention to it,” reflecting on the significance of his landmark achievement.
Despite the loss, the Capitals were able to retain their lead in the overall NHL standings, now boasting 103 points from 71 games. They currently sit at the top of both the Eastern Conference and the league table. The matchup was crucial given that both teams are fierce competitors for the playoff positions.
The Washington Capitals' performance this season has been commendable, with Ovechkin contributing significantly to their success. Having played 55 matches in the current season, he has compiled 60 points (36 goals and 24 assists), displaying his enduring abilities at the age of 39. In his encounters against the Jets franchise, Ovechkin has scored an impressive 57 goals across 75 games, averaging 0.76 goals per game. Against the Jets specifically, Ovechkin has tallied 27 goals in 33 matches, averaging 0.82 goals per game.
As the Capitals look toward the final segment of the regular season with 11 more matches to go, the players and fans alike are hopeful for Ovechkin to reach the coveted milestone. Each game will be watched keenly, as he not only aims to secure his place in the NHL's history but also to help his team clinch the top seed for the playoffs.
Both teams' efforts, though divergent in outcome, highlight the competitive nature of the NHL this season. The overtime victory for Winnipeg, executed by Nikolai Ehlers, allowed the Jets to celebrate a hard-fought win, while the Capitals remain focused on their ultimate goal: a strong playoff run.
In summation, the March 26 game was memorable not just for fireworks on the scoresheet but for highlighting the passion and determination of one of hockey's greatest players. As Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Gretzky’s record, fans everywhere await the next chapter in this extraordinary career.
