Alex Ovechkin showcased his remarkable talent once again, scoring three goals in the Washington Capitals’ decisive 7-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. His first two goals came during power plays, and he finished his hat trick with a shot from his own zone into an empty net.
Ovechkin, a seasoned player at 39, expressed modesty, saying, “I have pretty good chances to score more, but I’ll take three.” This impressive performance puts him just 13 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing NHL career record of 894 goals, a feat that, until recently, seemed nearly impossible.
Though Ovechkin missed 16 games this season due to a broken leg, he is on track to surpass Gretzky’s record this spring. Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren praised Ovechkin’s consistency, stating, “He amazes me night in, night out. He truly is the best.”
Linemate Dylan Strome, who has assisted Ovechkin on many of his goals this season, noted the challenge ahead, but Ovechkin remains focused, taking it “game by game.” If his recent performances continue, it’s not a matter of if he will reach that milestone, but when.
Longtime teammate Tom Wilson highlighted Ovechkin’s relentless drive, saying, “I’ve never seen a guy so hungry.” He noted Ovechkin’s eagerness to play and score, which adds to the enjoyment of watching him compete.
On the other side of the rink, veteran Corey Perry lamented the Oilers’ failure to adequately defend against Ovechkin. He remarked, “You give the best goal scorer in the world that kind of time, he’s going to put it in the back of the net.”
In the thrilling match, Ovechkin nearly scored again in the third period, launching several shots on goal in a bid to extend his tally. The atmosphere was electric, with a crowd of 18,573 passionately chanting “Ovi! Ovi!” as hats filled the ice after his final goal.
The Capitals’ coach, Spencer Carbery, reflected on Ovechkin’s extraordinary career and skill, remarking how the goals he scores at this stage of his career are truly remarkable.
With 135 game-winning goals and multiple hat tricks under his belt, Ovechkin demonstrates that age is just a number in the world of sports. His pursuit of history continues to inspire fans and players alike as he aims for what many thought was unattainable.
