Although the Washington Capitals fell 4-3 in overtime to the Vegas Golden Knights, fans were treated to history from Alex Ovechkin. The great eight scored twice for his ninth career 50 goal season, tying Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy for the most 50 goal seasons in NHL history.
The Caps struck first as Evgeny Kuznetsov rebounded a shot from Ovechkin with Nick Jensen providing the secondary assist. it was Kuzy’s 24th of the season. The goal came at 6:18.
The Golden Knights tied it at 13:51 from Alec Martinez. 1-1 was the score after one with the Caps leading in shots 13-8.
The Caps took the lead on a rush down the ice when Marcus Johansson fed Kuznetsov who found Ovechkin cross ice for the finish at 2:57. 2-1 good guys was the score after two as Vegas led in shots 9-8.
The Caps let their lead slip away in the third. Evgenil Dadonov tied it at 2:05 and former Capital Chandler Stephenson scored on the power play at 2:54. The Caps would tie it on a snipe from Ovechkin at 13:36 for his 50th of the season. It was assisted by Dmitry Orlov and Nicklas Backstrom.
The Caps were outshot 12-7 in the third period as the game would require overtime. They would ultimately be outshot 30-28 overall. Shea Theodore ended it at 2:09 in overtime.
The Caps may have lost the game but they ultimately won the night thanks to Ovi:
"“It was pretty cool,” said Ovechkin with a smile on his face. “We have lots of fans all over the place and they came to see the game and cheer for us, so thanks to them.”"
Even the Golden Knights were impressed with the storied history of the great eight. Wiliam Karlsson said:
"“I’m going to say to my grandchildren, ‘I played against a legend.’ He’s going to be in the Hall of Fame, and maybe he’ll break the record for the most goals ever. It’s pretty cool, for sure.”"
The Caps will conclude their five game road trip on Friday night against the Arizona Coyotes.