OTTAWA, Ontario — Alex Ovechkin moved within 19 goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record, scoring on a late power play in the Washington Capitals’ 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.
Ovechkin scored his 23rd goal of the season to push his career total to 876. This notable achievement places him ever closer to surpassing the legendary Gretzky, who holds the record with 894 goals.
Describing the moment, the 39-year-old Russian star Seemed unfazed, making his mark with skill and precision. Ovechkin pulled the Capitals to within one goal against the Senators with his well-placed wrist shot at 6:59 remaining on the clock. His resilience didn’t stop there; he later set up Dylan Strome’s tying goal with only 5:29 left on the game clock, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Unfortunately for the Capitals, the game ended on not-so-great terms as Thomas Chabot of Ottawa scored at 1:46 of overtime, sealing Washington's fate. It was hard not to notice the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with the Senators appearing to clinch victory at home.
The game wasn’t just about Ovechkin; it featured several significant individual performances. Ottawa’s Josh Norris impressively scored on a penalty shot during the second period, reflecting the high-stakes environment of the matchup. The Ottawa team demonstrated excellent strategy, scoring two power-play goals during the game, even recording one on a short-handed opportunity.
On the Capitals’ side, Ovechkin wasn’t the only player to make his mark. Strome scored twice on the night, and Connor McMichael added another goal, as the Capitals attempted to stay competitive. Despite their efforts, Washington ended the game 1 for 6 on power plays, underscoring missed opportunities.
Caps goalie Charlie Lindgren faced 34 shots, stopping 29, but it wasn’t enough as the Senators capitalized on their chances. On the other end, Anton Forsberg denied 31 shots for Ottawa, underscoring the tense nature of the match.
Looking forward, the Capitals will host the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night, hoping to improve their power play efficiency and Ovechkin’s pursuit of history. Meanwhile, the Senators will face off against the Minnesota Wild on the same night, seeking to maintain momentum after edging out the Capitals.
Ovechkin's goal brings him even closer to one of the most prestigious records in hockey. Each game is another chapter as he aims to engrave his name next to Gretzky's, potentially making history and creating unforgettable moments for his fans and the sport as he demonstrates his enduring talent on the ice.