Alex Ovechkin delivered a historic performance, scoring his 33rd career hat trick to reach 907 goals and move into 10th place on the NHL’s all-time points list, leading the Washington Capitals to an 8-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. The game at Bell Centre highlighted his enduring excellence as he extended his record as the league’s all-time leading goal-scorer.
Ovechkin opened the scoring just 1:00 into the first period with a power-play goal, capitalizing on a face-off win by Dylan Strome to fire a wrist shot past Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault. He added an assist later and sealed the hat trick with two goals in the third period, including an empty-netter, finishing with four points on the night. This effort boosted his career totals to 1,643 points (907 goals, 736 assists), surpassing Joe Sakic for 10th in NHL history.
The hat trick was Ovechkin’s 33rd, tying him with Brett Hull for fourth-most in league annals. At age 40, he became the sixth player in NHL history to achieve a hat trick at 40 or older, joining legends like Gordie Howe and Jaromir Jagr. His goal streak extended to four games, with seven goals in his last six appearances, underscoring his relentless offensive prowess.
Teammate Dylan Strome, who recorded three assists, played through the emotional backdrop of his wife giving birth to their third child during the game. Ovechkin praised Strome’s dedication and the team’s collective effort, emphasizing the personal and professional milestones involved. Ethen Frank also stood out with his first four-point NHL game (two goals, two assists), while Sonny Milano contributed two goals, demonstrating the Capitals’ depth amid roster challenges.
For the Canadiens, the loss marked their fifth consecutive defeat, dropping their record to 10-7-3. Brendan Gallagher and Mike Matheson each notched a power-play goal and an assist, but defensive breakdowns and costly turnovers hindered their performance. Gallagher’s goal was his 240th, moving him into 15th place in Canadiens history, though it offered little solace in a disappointing outing.
Post-game, Ovechkin expressed pride in his teammates’ resilience, particularly highlighting contributions from Frank and Milano. “I’m happy for them, they are working hard and a big part of the success tonight,” he said. Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We’re giving up way too much… no matter how your goalie’s feeling that’s not going to help them.”
The Capitals’ win improves their record to 11-8-0, with three straight victories bolstering their playoff positioning. Ovechkin’s continued dominance at an advanced age inspires awe and sets the stage for further milestones, keeping fans and analysts captivated by his journey.
Looking ahead, Ovechkin remains a central figure in the NHL’s narrative, with his pursuit of additional records and team success driving excitement. The Capitals aim to sustain this momentum, while the Canadiens seek to address defensive issues to reverse their slide in the standings.
