Washington Capitalsstar Alex OvechkinHe scored his 49th & 50th goals of the season during a 4-3 overtime defeat to the Vegas Golden KnightsHe reached a landmark in Las Vegas Wednesday night that he seems to have made look effortless year after year.
Peter DeBoer, Vegas coach pulled the goalie for the start Robin LehnerThe first period was over and the second began. Logan Thompson.
Ovechkin was quick to introduce himself to Vegas’ rookie netminder, when he one-timed Evgeny KuznetsovWashington’s cross-ice pass at 2:57 in the second period put Washington ahead 2-1
Ovechkin was then awarded his 50th game of the season and No. 1 in his career. 780, when he skated down his right side and blasted an attack Thompson couldn’t keep up with. Thompson tied the game at 3.
Ovechkin had scored 50 goals for the ninth time during his career, which tied Mike Bossy’s record and Wayne Gretzky’s for NHL’s most. Capitals’ star Ovechkin debuted in 2005-06, and no other player has had more than two 50-goal seasons.
The highlights did not stop there.
Ovechkin (36 years old) is the oldest NHL player to have scored 50 goals in one season. He is now joined by Phil Esposito, who are the only two players to have three seasons with 50 goals at age 30 or older.
He also continued his climb up the league’s all time scoring charts. Goal No. 780 was 21 short of Gordie Howe’s 801 for second all-time. (Gretzky holds the all-time record with 894).
The Capitals and their star were the only ones to suffer: They lost.
Shea TheodoreThe Golden Knights held on to their slim playoff hopes by scoring 2:09 into overtime. Vegas holds 89 points. It is two points behind Dallas for the second wildcard in the Western Conference. Los Angeles trails Vegas by three in Pacific Division.
This report was based on information from The Associated Press.