In a historic and emotional NHL game, Alex Ovechkin scored his 891st career goal, moving just four goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s legendary record, as the Washington Capitals secured a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.
Ovechkin, who has 38 goals in 58 games this season, opened the scoring for the Capitals with a power-play goal at 15:43 of the first period. Dylan Strome deflected a pass from John Carlson to Ovechkin, who buried the puck into an open net from the left post.
“A goal’s a goal,” Ovechkin said when asked about No. 891, per NHL.com. “It was a great play by Strome and [Carlson].” Ovechkin and Strome each recorded a goal and an assist, while Charlie Lindgren made 21 crucial saves for the Capitals, who snapped a three-game losing streak (0-2-1). The win moved Washington within one point of the Winnipeg Jets atop the NHL standings, with a game in hand.
Bruins extend losing streak
David Pastrnak scored twice for the Bruins, who suffered their ninth consecutive loss (0-8-1). Jeremy Swayman made 28 saves for Boston. Nic Dowd opened the scoring for Washington with a shorthanded goal at 13:32 of the first period. After Ovechkin’s tally, Vinni Lettieri—claimed off waivers by Boston on Sunday—cut the lead to 2-1 at 6:05 of the second period. Pastrnak tied the game at 2-2 with a power-play goal at 17:12.
Strome restored the Capitals’ lead at 10:37 of the third period, and Tom Wilson extended it to 4-2 at 14:46. Pastrnak responded just 27 seconds later with his second goal of the night, narrowing the deficit to 4-3.
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Bruins’ David Pastrnak shares his thoughts on Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin as he closes in on Gretzky’s NHL record
Ryan Leonard, who signed a three-year entry-level contract with Washington on Monday, made his NHL debut. “Happy for him,” Ovechkin said. “He played solid, physical, controlled the puck well, and he has a great future.”
What’s next for the Capitals?
Fueled by Ovechkin’s historic goal, the Capitals’ victory provides a crucial boost in their push for first place in the NHL standings. Meanwhile, the Bruins’ extended losing streak underscores their struggles and the mounting pressure on the team. Leonard’s debut, backed by his hometown support, added an emotional touch to the game.
