It was Ovechkin’s 12th goal in the opening minute of a game, tying him with Howe, Phil Esposito and Dave Taylor for third all-time. Only and Mark Messier have more. It also marked the 66th time in Ovechkin’s career that he opened the scoring on the road, passing Brett Hull for the most in that category.
Just 7:50 later, Ovechkin capitalized on the power play, corralling a deflected puck at the side of the net before coaxing it over the goal line to put the visitors ahead 2-0.“We said he’s going to get three to five tonight,” Mantha recalled. “When he gets hot, you just never know when he stops.”Washington, which controlled the game from the outset, took a two-goal lead into the third period.“You know what? “It was awesome,” Laviolette said.
Said Toews: “Pretty incredible milestone There’s some sense that when we’re out of this moment, it’s one of those things you’ll look back on. One of the great players of all time, so all due respect to him and scoring three goals to do it, getting himself an ovation and the ‘Ovi’ chant in our building. It didn’t feel great on our side but lots of respect for him.”Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.
Tarik_ElBashir I love that he explains his record like no one following it knows exactly how many people have reached it lol
Ovi chants in a visitor's arena hit different. The legend was mic'd up for his 800th goal. 🎥 Capitals
Tarik_ElBashir Pretty Sureal
Tarik_ElBashir