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Alex Ovechkin scores 18th career hat trick

By Ian Oland (@ianoland) on October 5, 2017 | 0 Comment

Despite the Capitals looking rusty in the first two periods of their season opener, they dominated the Ottawa Senators in shot attempts 36-23. The dam broke in the third period.

Alex Ovechkin scored three goals in a six-minute and thirty-three second span. It was Ovechkin’s 18th career hat trick.

The Russian machine is now tied with Mike Modano for 24th on the NHL’s all-time goal list.

Goal 1

Ovechkin’s first goal came with the Capitals down 3-1. After a steal by Evgeny Kuznetsov in front of the net, the Russian center dished to his fellow countryman hanging out at the left circle. Ovechkin took his time and picked his spot, beating Craig Anderson easily.

Goal 2

Ovechkin would score 83 seconds later to tie the game. As Jakub Vrana drove down the left wing with the puck, he found Evgeny Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov then hit Ovechkin driving the center lane for goal number two.

Goal 3

Ovechkin’s hat trick goal came with 9:12 remaining in the third. After some forechecking in the corner, Ovechkin emerged with the puck and beat Anderson again. Several fans would toss hats onto the ice. Kuznetsov would tally his own hat trick of assists on the tally. Ovechkin’s heroics would push the game to overtime.

In the shootout, Ovechkin scored the first of the Capitals two goals to help push the Capitals to a 5-4 (SO) win.

Today marks the 12th anniversary of Ovechkin’s NHL debut where he scored two goals against Columbus.

Full Coverage of Caps at Senators

Headline photo: @YahooCASports

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