WASHINGTON (AP) — In a night that was bittersweet for Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals star scored his 890th career goal, yet it was overshadowed by his team's disappointing 8-5 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The 39-year-old winger, who is now just five goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing NHL record of 894, expressed a mix of frustration and determination after the game.
“Right now, we lost three in a row,” Ovechkin said, reflecting on the team's recent struggles. “It’s a good thing it happens right now and not in the playoffs, but we just have to bounce back and find a way to win the games.” His sentiment captures the urgency felt within the Capitals' locker room as they look to regain their footing in the final stretch of the season.
Ovechkin's milestone goal came at 9:11 of the third period when he deftly deflected Rasmus Sandin's shot past Sabres' goaltender James Reimer, pulling Washington within two goals. The Capitals showed signs of life following his goal, but Ovechkin credited Aliaksei Protas' shorthanded tally at the beginning of the period as the catalyst for their brief resurgence. “When you score on the PK, it gives you more (life) and you can see our bench getting after the game,” Ovechkin noted. “We tried to come back, but unfortunately, we can't.”
This season, Ovechkin has been remarkable, scoring 37 goals and on track to reach 40 for the 14th time in his illustrious career, a record in itself. This achievement comes despite him missing 16 games earlier this season due to a broken left fibula, a testament to his resilience and skill. “Again, it's an insane number,” Protas remarked about Ovechkin's pursuit of Gretzky. “I don't think I'd ever get that, even in NHL 25 (the video game) ... he's chasing something special.”
Despite his scoring prowess, Ovechkin's ice time has been a point of concern. He skated just 7:43 minutes in the first two periods, the lowest on the team, and finished the game with 16:22 minutes of playtime. Coach Spencer Carbery expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's top-six forwards, stating, “We were fighting to stay in that game, I didn't like any of our top-six again tonight. It just hasn't looked great. Their underlying numbers haven't been great the last two games from our top-six.”
As the Capitals prepare to face the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Ovechkin's focus remains on his pursuit of Gretzky’s record. The upcoming game presents an opportunity for the Capitals to turn their fortunes around and for Ovechkin to inch closer to history. With a playoff spot still within reach, the pressure is on for the Capitals to capitalize on Ovechkin's scoring ability and experience.
As the race to the playoffs heats up, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Ovechkin can not only break the record but also lead his team back to winning ways. The Capitals have a storied history, and with a player of Ovechkin's caliber, there's always a chance for a comeback, even in the face of adversity.
In the grand scheme of the NHL, Ovechkin's journey is not just about personal accolades; it's about legacy. He has already cemented his place among the greats of the game, but breaking Gretzky's record would elevate his status to an entirely new level. As he gears up for the Bruins, one can't help but wonder: will he make history, or will the pressure prove too great?
With the Capitals' playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the next few games will be crucial. Ovechkin is not just chasing numbers; he's chasing a chance to add another chapter to his storied career. The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await to see what the future holds for this legendary player and his team.
