RALEIGH, N.C. — In a Wednesday night game, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals achieved his 892nd career goal, putting him just three goals away from Wayne Gretzky`s all-time NHL record. However, despite Ovechkin`s milestone, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Capitals with a score of 5-1. Rookie Jackson Blake contributed significantly to the Hurricanes` victory by scoring two goals. This win secured a playoff berth for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Adding to the Hurricanes` score were Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, and Sean Walker. The Hurricanes have now reached the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, equaling a franchise record.
Goaltender Frederik Andersen of Carolina played a strong game, saving 20 out of 21 shots, marking his seventh consecutive win as a starter.
Ovechkin`s goal came from a powerful one-timer during a 5-on-3 power play in the second period, reducing the Hurricanes` lead to 4-1 with only 34.5 seconds remaining in the period. Ovechkin has been on a scoring streak, with 17 goals in his last 25 games and a total of 39 goals this season.
Tristan Blackwood