Capitals young star steals the show against Ducks, sends strong message to Alex Ovechkin amid NHL record chase

The Washington Capitals continue their unstoppable run in the 2024-25 NHL season, dominantly imposing their will over opponents both on the road and in D.C. Despite failing to score against the Anaheim Ducks during the Caps’ 7-4 triumph, Alex Ovechkin recorded three assists, receiving a very powerful message from a young star on the roster.

While Ovechkin’s chase for Wayne Gretzky’s goals record has grabbed headlines all over the NHL, it wasn’t the Russian goal-machine who captured the spotlight during Washington’s away victory in Anaheim.

Alexei Protas was the man of the hour at Honda Center, scoring his first career hat trick and securing Washington’s fifth straight win as the red-hot Capitals maintain their dominant form.

Protas netted his third goal of the evening on an empty net, primarily assisted by Ovi, who made a selfless play, passing to Protas instead of shooting to the unmanned crease, which could’ve put him even closer to Gretzky’s scoring record. After the game, Protas delivered a strong comment to his captain.

Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals shoots the puck during the third period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 11, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

“With an unreal accomplishment coming up and he makes that play, and how happy he is for me, that says everything about him as a teammate,” Alexei Protas stated postgame, per NHL.com. “I just saw the eye contact with ‘Ovi’.”

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Ovechkin met with Ducks legend Teemu Selanne

NHL Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne was in attendance during the Capitals game at Honda Center, as the Ducks‘ idol wanted to attend Ovechkin’s visit to Ducktown.

“You see the hype and everybody around the team and the League, they can’t wait for when this is going to happen because this is something really special,” Sellane admitted about Ovechkin’s chase for the NHL all-time goals record.

Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Phoenix Coyotes at Honda Center on December 28, 2013 in Anaheim, California.

“It was nice to see him,” Ovechkin said of Selanne. “Obviously, he’s legend and a great human being. I was lucky enough to play against those guys who were superstars back then.”

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NHL News: Sidney Crosby makes strong statement about Alex Ovechkin’s chase for Wayne Gretzky’s goal record

After the win in Anaheim, the Capitals will continue their West Coast road trip with games against the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks on March 13 and 15, respectively.