Alex Ovechkin edged closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal-scoring record, netting an empty-net goal to help the Washington Capitals secure a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night. The win marked Washington’s sixth consecutive triumph.
Ovechkin’s goal, his 22nd of the season, brings his career total to 875—just 20 goals shy of surpassing Gretzky’s record of 894.
Charlie Lindgren shined in his first start since Jan. 10, stopping all 22 shots for his first shutout of the season. The Capitals, who lead the NHL, have recorded three shutouts in their last five games, with Logan Thompson achieving consecutive shutouts against Anaheim and Ottawa last week.
Aliaksei Protas and Ethen Frank also scored for Washington.
Seattle goaltender Joey Daccord made 30 saves in his milestone 100th NHL game, but the Kraken could not find the back of the net in their sixth shutout loss of the season.
Takeaways
Capitals: Ovechkin’s empty-net goal, assisted by Trevor van Riemsdyk and Jakob Chychrun, came with 3:28 remaining to seal the victory. Pierre-Luc Dubois extended his point streak to three games with an assist.
Kraken: Despite several opportunities, including a key breakaway late in the second period, Seattle couldn’t solve Lindgren’s solid goaltending.
Key Moment
Lindgren’s breakaway save on Oliver Bjorkstrand with 16 seconds left in the second period preserved the Capitals’ 2-0 lead and kept the momentum in Washington’s favor.
Key Stat
Ovechkin’s 875 career goals are just 20 short of Gretzky’s all-time NHL record.
Up Next
- Capitals: Visit the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.
- Kraken: Host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
