A hat-trick led to some historical past and a shock locker-room beer bathe for Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday evening in Chicago.
The 37-year-old Russian netted three goals en route to a 7-3 win over the Blackhawks, however extra considerably, grew to become just the third player in NHL historical past to attain the 800-goal plateau. Ovechkin will doubtless move Detroit Red Wings nice Gordie Howe (801) in the days to come, however nonetheless has a methods to go to catch Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894.
‘When he bought the first purpose in the present day, I used to be like, ”This is the evening,” teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov stated after emptying cans of what appeared to be Labatt Blue onto the future Hall of Famer.
A hat-trick led to some historical past and a shock locker-room beer bathe for Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday evening in Chicago
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals is sprayed with beer in the locker room by teammates after scoring a hat-trick and his 800th profession purpose following the sport towards the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center
Goaded into making a speech, Ovechkin stated it was particular to accomplish the feat with the staff.
‘Without you guys, I’d clearly by no means attain these historic numbers. It’s large. Good for hockey, nice for group, and clearly pleased to try this with you guys. It’s particular.’
‘It was superior,’ Washington coach Peter Laviolette stated. ‘It was just superior to be on the bench and be part of it, part of historical past.’
Ovechkin scored on his first two pictures, beating Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek 24 seconds into the sport earlier than stuffing one residence on an influence play with 11:46 left in the first interval. The 37-year-old winger then accomplished his twenty ninth profession hat trick when he knocked Anthony Mantha’s move over a sprawled Mrazek 6:34 into the third.
The remainder of the Capitals jumped off the bench to rejoice after the milestone purpose, and hats rained down on the ice from the crowd of 16,181. Fans in Chicago then chanted ‘Ovi! Ovi!’ — drawing a wave from Ovechkin.
‘Soon because it occurred, type of reduction,’ Ovechkin stated afterwards. ‘Kind of happiness on the whole.
‘It’s a giant quantity,’ he added. ‘It’s the greatest firm (you’ll be able to) ever think about because you began taking part in hockey.’
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals shakes palms with Max Domi #13 of the Chicago Blackhawks after the sport at United Center on December 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Alex Ovechkin scored his 798th, 799th and 800th profession goals throughout the sport towards the Chicago Blackhawks
Ovechkin additionally praised the crowd for its response.
‘Even in the warmup, I used to be feeling that vitality immediately,’ he stated. ‘The followers watch me and the followers need to see that historic second.’
When it was over, Ovechkin jumped onto the ice one final time to salute the cheering followers. He then gave his stick to a boy carrying a Capitals jersey above the tunnel to the visiting locker room.
Ovechkin has seven goals in his final 4 video games and a team-high 20 on the season. His earlier 4 goals have been all empty-netters.
The Capitals play seven of their subsequent 9 at residence.
‘I believe as soon as he is going to be No. 1 he can have a way of reduction,’ Mantha stated. ‘Until then, I believe he is on the hunt, and that is what we love about him.’
Ovechkin has been certainly one of the NHL’s most harmful scorers virtually since he bought two goals in his debut with Washington on Oct. 5, 2005, towards Columbus.
The 12-time All-Star has 9 seasons with at the least 50 goals, together with a career-high 65 throughout the 2007-08 season. The three-time MVP, who gained the Stanley Cup in 2018, had 50 goals and 40 assists in 77 video games final season.
‘It’s thoughts blowing,’ Chicago captain Jonathan Toews stated. ‘How many guys can score goals at his charge in the season, not to mention 12 months after 12 months after 12 months? He’s certainly one of a sort, for certain.’
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals poses for a photograph with teammates after scoring a hat-trick and his 800th profession purpose, following the sport towards the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center