Alex Ovechkin got the Washington Capitals a single standings point against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday just because of his huge, nearly unstoppable shot.
Twelve minutes and 21 seconds into the third period, Ovechkin beat two-time Vezina Trophy-winner Connor Hellebuyck with a one-time blast from the point, tying the game 4-4.
The goal, Ovechkin’s 877th of his career, now puts him 18 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s goals record of 894.
Ovi’s one-timer, which Hellebuyck saw all the way, handcuffed the Jets goaltender and went off his left arm and in. The shot was going 88.8 MPH.
“That shot, I’ve seen that shot before,” Jets head coach Scott Arniel said. “That came off in a hurry and obviously Helly didn’t have time to react to that one.” Arniel served as a Capitals assistant coach from 2018 through 2022.
The Capital One Arena crowd erupted after the tally as the Caps had been chasing the game all night, falling behind 2-0 in the first period. The Caps faithful chanted, “Ovi!” But Ovi’s goal was not enough as Washington would fall in overtime, 5-4.
louvre. now. pic.twitter.com/W1JftfPVFZ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 2, 2025
The tally gives Ovechkin 24 goals in 36 games played this season (0.67 G/GP). The Capitals captain is now on pace to tie Gretzky’s mark on April 6 against the New York Islanders on Long Island and then pass him on April 12 against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.
To put Alex Ovechkin's last goal in perspective:
– Connor Hellebuyck is the league's best goalie
– He saw it all the way
– Ovi shot from the point
– Hellebuyck still couldn't handle it— Ian Oland (@ianoland) February 2, 2025
The tally was Ovechkin’s fifth career goal on Hellebuyck, different goaltender no. 128 on Ovechkin’s goalies-scored-on list.
Ovechkin also now has 56 goals in 74 games against the Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers franchise — the most of any single franchise he’s scored against.
“Two best teams playing and it was a battle, hard game,” Ovechkin said postgame. “I think in the third period, we had so many chances and go to OT. It was good game, two best teams play. It was fun.”
