Alex Ovechkin scored against his favorite NHL team growing up to edge one step closer to NHL history on Saturday.
With 9:06 remaining in the third period, Ovechkin redirected a Martin Fehervary indirect shot into the back of the net, beating San Jose Sharks goaltender Georgi Romanov. The tally gave the Capitals a 5-1 lead.
Not only was the tally Ovechkin’s 887th career goal, but it also made Romanov the 182nd different goalie he’s scored on during his career, extending his NHL record.
“He’s been passing to me too much,” Dylan Strome said. “We’ve got to get him the puck more. He’s doing all the little things right. And nice for ‘Tin (Martin Fehervary) to find him in the slot there. I mean, you could just see the crowd. Not much left to say at this point. I think just hopefully he can get a couple on this homestand here and inch closer and closer. We’re all excited, obviously. And it’s pretty cool.”
Ovechkin now sits 8 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record of 894. Ovi’s on pace to tie Gretzky on April 6 against the New York Islanders and break the record on April 12 at Columbus.
Both Ovechkin, the first overall pick from the 2004 NHL Draft, and Macklin Celebrini, the first overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft, scored in the game. The matchup marked the first time the two talented forwards have played against each other.
