Alex Ovechkin is writing himself into NHL history, having hit the 30-goal milestone for the 19th time in his 20-year career in the Washington Capitals’ 3-1 home loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.
The Capitals’ captain scored a power-play goal 4:52 into the third period, firing a signature one-timer past Flames goaltender Dan Vladar, setting off chants of “Ovi! Ovi!” from the home crowd. In the process, Ovechkin became the fourth player to score 30 or more goals in a season at age 39 or older, joining Teemu Selanne, Johnny Bucyk and Gordie Howe.
“My linemates, teammates do good job find me out there and I just have to finish it up,” Ovechkin told reporters after the game.
His latest milestone put him at 883 career goals, meaning he is 12 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894. After scoring a hat trick against Edmonton on Sunday, Ovechkin is on track to break Gretzky’s mark in early April.
While Ovechkin’s milestone will dominate the headlines, Calgary picked up a key two points to move into a playoff spot. Rookie Matt Coronato and Rasmus Andersson made crucial contributions with Andersson blocking eight shots, including two from Ovechkin.
“He’s on a great chase, and you have to take a few,” Andersson said of blocking the Ovechkin shots.
Despite the disappointment, the Capitals captain is focused on his overall goal — making history as he pushes his team while it fights for a postseason berth.
Comments