Alex Ovechkin ended his brief goal drought by scoring his first of the season and the 898th of his career, moving within two goals of the historic 900 mark, as the Washington Capitals rolled to a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on October 17, 2025.
The Washington Capitals continued their impressive start to the season with a dominant performance against the Minnesota Wild. After dropping their opener, the Capitals have now won four consecutive games, showcasing a strong team effort. Ovechkin, who had been held without a goal in the first four contests, finally found the back of the net in this game, much to the relief of fans and teammates alike.
Ovechkin’s milestone goal came 1:19 into the third period, with the Capitals leading 2-1. Directly off a face-off win by Dylan Strome, the puck slid to Ovechkin, who one-timed it from near the top of the circle past Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson. This play, a common strategy for the Capitals, executed perfectly, giving Washington a crucial two-goal cushion. Ovechkin later remarked, “Chances was there. Sometimes you just have to be patient,” highlighting his calm approach despite the early slump.
Dylan Strome was a standout performer, contributing two goals and two assists in the game. He opened the scoring in the first period with a goal assisted by Ovechkin, demonstrating their effective partnership. Additionally, Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson added goals for the Capitals, who outshot the Wild 45-14, reflecting their offensive dominance and control throughout the match.
The Capitals’ defensive efforts were equally impressive, allowing only three 5-on-5 goals all season and just 14 shots in this game. Goaltender Logan Thompson made 13 saves, while the team’s structure and discipline were praised by coach Spencer Carbery, who called the third period “our most impressive period given the situation.” This defensive solidity has been a key factor in their current winning streak.
Ovechkin’s goal brings him to 898 career goals, just two shy of the unprecedented 900 mark. At age 40, he continues to defy age and chase records, having broken Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record last season with his 895th goal. His career statistics are staggering, including 567 even-strength goals (second all-time), 326 power-play goals (a record), and numerous other milestones that cement his legacy as one of hockey’s greatest scorers.
The implications of this goal extend beyond personal achievement. It reignites the excitement around Ovechkin’s pursuit of 900 goals, a feat that would further solidify his place in NHL history. For the Capitals, this victory and Ovechkin’s scoring return boost team morale and confidence as they navigate the early part of the season. Their ability to win convincingly without relying solely on Ovechkin’s offense is a positive sign for long-term success.
Looking forward, the Capitals will aim to build on this momentum, with Ovechkin’s quest for 900 adding a compelling narrative to each game. The team’s balanced attack, combined with stout defense, positions them as a formidable opponent. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ovechkin as he closes in on another historic milestone, while the Capitals strive for playoff contention.