That tied him with Jaromir Jagr for third in NHL historical past. Ovechkin practically handed Jagr earlier than time expired, however one other empty-net try barely missed the online. Coincidentally, Jagr scored the ultimate aim of his lengthy NHL profession on the Saddledome whereas enjoying for the Flames.
“Obviously a huge accomplishment,” Ovechkin advised NBC Sports Washington after the sport. “I always say without my teammates. … I would never reach those milestones and those numbers. So it’s teamwork. Thank you, guys.”
Ovechkin will attempt to move Jagr on Wednesday at Edmonton. Still forward of him: Gordie Howe (801) and Wayne Gretzky (894). This season, he has handed Marcel Dionne for fifth (731) in October and Brett Hull for fourth (741) in November.
“He’s just got that passion and that drive that is really second to none,” ahead Tom Wilson mentioned earlier within the week.
With his two goals Tuesday, Ovechkin has 36 on the season, together with 4 previously three video games. And whereas all eyes have been on its captain Tuesday, Washington’s effort in opposition to the Flames was distinctive.
The Capitals have been decided to proceed their upward trajectory. They have been beginning a three-game street journey by Western Canada, they usually felt they have been headed in the precise route after back-to-back residence wins.
Tuesday was all about testing that renaissance — and the Capitals answered the bell to push their profitable streak to a few. The recreation was tight down the stretch, with the groups tied at 2 coming into the ultimate interval.
The Flames regarded poised to win after Oliver Kylington scored at 3:45. His level shot discovered its method by a crowd and previous Capitals goalie Vitek Vanecek, who made a number of highlight-reel saves.
But Anthony Mantha tied the rating at 3 with a short-side shot lower than 5 minutes later to get the momentum again. The aim was his first in three video games since coming back from shoulder surgical procedure.
Nic Dowd then gave the Capitals a 4-3 lead with a top-shelf snipe at 11:50. It was his eighth aim of the season. Ovechkin’s empty-netter pushed the Capitals’ result in 5-3 earlier than Calgary’s Elias Lindholm scored his second aim of the evening to provide the ultimate rating.
With his staff down 2-0, Conor Sheary obtained Washington again within the recreation with a rebound aim at 10:27 of the second. It was Sheary’s fourth aim in 4 video games. Ovechkin tied the rating at 2 about three minutes later.
“Just to be a part of that and watch it, he’s the best,” Dowd said.
The Flames took a 1-0 lead when Lindholm scored on a three-on-one at 9:40 of the first. They opened a 2-0 lead after the Capitals turned the puck over in their zone and Adam Ruzicka capitalized on a flawless passing sequence at 8:54 of the second.
Tuesday’s game also brought a significant milestone for Ovechkin and running mate Nicklas Backstrom. The duo played their 1,000th game together; they are the ninth pair in NHL history to reach that total.
“It was kind of special atmosphere in the locker room,” Ovechkin said. “Not many guys played 1,000 games. … It’s a pretty cool moment. He is a tremendous leader, a tremendous friend and, you know, I’m lucky to play with him all those games.”
With Tuesday’s start, Vanecek continued to make his case to be Washington’s No. 1 goaltender. His poise and confidence in net have been apparent all season but have shined through over his past three starts. He had 31 saves Tuesday, and he has a .938 save percentage and a 1.85 goals against average in his past 11 games.
“I believe Vitek right this moment performed unbelievable,” Ovechkin mentioned.
Capitals condemn Russian invasion
The Capitals launched an announcement Tuesday that condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the “loss of innocent life.” It additionally mentioned the group stood in “full support” of its Russian gamers and their households abroad.
“We realize they are being put in a difficult situation and [we] stand by to offer our assistance to them and their families,” the Capitals mentioned.
Washington’s feedback have been its first official assertion since Russia started its invasion. Ovechkin spoke about it Feb. 25. He has voiced assist for Russian President Vladimir Putin previously, and in his current feedback he didn’t sever ties with Putin, as an alternative saying he hopes the conflict can be over quickly and that there might be “peace in the whole world.”
There was a smattering of boos when Ovechkin touched the puck early in Tuesday’s recreation. The boos died down by the second interval. Capitals Coach Peter Laviolette advised reporters Tuesday morning that the staff was conscious that boos directed at Ovechkin have been doubtless.
“We support our players,” Laviolette mentioned. “They’ve done so much good for the game. They’re athletes. They’re here playing hockey, and they’ve done so much good for our organization and for the game. We can’t control what other people say. We support our players. Like I said, they’re hockey players.”
