WASHINGTON (AP) — In a thrilling game against the Edmonton Oilers, Alex Ovechkin showcased his legendary scoring prowess by netting a hat trick, leading the Washington Capitals to a decisive 7-3 victory. Ovechkin's first goal was a perfect wrist shot past Calvin Pickard, followed by a power-play goal from his trademark position, and finally, a long-range shot into an empty net completed his impressive performance.
Ovechkin's three-goal performance has brought him within 13 goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career record of 894 goals, a milestone once thought unachievable. Despite missing 16 games earlier this season due to a broken leg, the 39-year-old is on track to surpass Gretzky's record by spring.
“I have pretty good chances to score more,” Ovechkin stated, “but I’ll take three.” His determination is evident as he continues to close in on the record, taking each game as it comes.
Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren expressed admiration, stating, “He amazes me night in, night out. He truly is the best.” Similarly, linemate Dylan Strome, who has assisted on 16 of Ovechkin’s 29 goals this season, acknowledged the challenge of setting the record but remained optimistic.
Longtime teammate Tom Wilson highlighted Ovechkin's relentless drive: “I’ve never seen a guy so hungry. He comes back to the bench, he’s asking if he can go out again right away.”
From the opposing side, veteran Corey Perry noted, “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.”
With his recent performance, Ovechkin tied Jaromir Jagr’s record with 135 game-winning goals and moved into a tie with Hall of Famer Phil Esposito for the fifth-most hat tricks in NHL history. His next hat trick will mark his 30th, reaching that milestone for the 18th season.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery praised Ovechkin’s remarkable achievements at 39, saying, “You cannot write a story and a book of what he’s doing right now. The goals he’s scoring, he could’ve had six.”
Ovechkin's ability to score in various ways continues to captivate fans and teammates alike. Lindgren, who feels fortunate to play alongside Ovechkin, remarked on the superstar's impact, “It’s just insane, honestly. He just scores in so many different ways. Best hockey player in the world.”
As Ovechkin inches closer to breaking Gretzky's record, his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to thrill on the ice remain unmatched.
