A hat-trick led to some historical past and a shock locker-room beer bathe for Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday evening in Chicago.
The 37-year-old Russian netted three targets en path to a 7-3 win over the Blackhawks, however extra considerably, turned simply the third participant in NHL historical past to achieve the 800-goal plateau. Ovechkin will probably go Detroit Pink Wings nice Gordie Howe (801) within the days to return, however nonetheless has a methods to go to catch Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894.
‘When he received the primary purpose immediately, I used to be like, ”That is the evening,” teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov mentioned after emptying cans of what gave the impression to be Labatt Blue onto the long run Corridor of Famer.
A hat-trick led to some historical past and a shock locker-room beer bathe for Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday evening in Chicago
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals is sprayed with beer within the locker room by teammates after scoring a hat-trick and his 800th profession purpose following the sport towards the Chicago Blackhawks at United Middle
Goaded into making a speech, Ovechkin mentioned it was particular to perform the feat with the staff.
‘With out you guys, I’d clearly by no means attain these historic numbers. It is big. Good for hockey, nice for group, and clearly completely happy to do this with you guys. It is particular.’
‘It was superior,’ Washington coach Peter Laviolette mentioned. ‘It was simply superior to be on the bench and be part of it, part of historical past.’
Ovechkin scored on his first two pictures, beating Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek 24 seconds into the sport earlier than stuffing one house on an influence play with 11:46 left within the first interval. The 37-year-old winger then accomplished his twenty ninth profession hat trick when he knocked Anthony Mantha’s go over a sprawled Mrazek 6:34 into the third.
The remainder of the Capitals jumped off the bench to have fun after the milestone purpose, and hats rained down on the ice from the gang of 16,181. Followers in Chicago then chanted ‘Ovi! Ovi!’ — drawing a wave from Ovechkin.
‘Quickly because it occurred, sort of aid,’ Ovechkin mentioned afterwards. ‘Form of happiness on the whole.
‘It is a huge quantity,’ he added. ‘It is the most effective firm (you possibly can) ever think about because you began taking part in hockey.’
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals shakes palms with Max Domi #13 of the Chicago Blackhawks after the sport at United Middle on December 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Alex Ovechkin scored his 798th, 799th and 800th profession targets through the recreation towards the Chicago Blackhawks
Ovechkin additionally praised the gang for its response.
‘Even within the warmup, I used to be feeling that vitality instantly,’ he mentioned. ‘The followers watch me and the followers wish to see that historic second.’
When it was over, Ovechkin jumped onto the ice one final time to salute the cheering followers. He then gave his stick with a boy sporting a Capitals jersey above the tunnel to the visiting locker room.
Ovechkin has seven targets in his final 4 video games and a team-high 20 on the season. His earlier 4 targets had been all empty-netters.
The Capitals play seven of their subsequent 9 at house.
‘I feel as soon as he’ll be No. 1 he can have a way of aid,’ Mantha mentioned. ‘Till then, I feel he is on the hunt, and that is what we love about him.’
Ovechkin has been one of many NHL’s most harmful scorers virtually since he received two targets in his debut with Washington on Oct. 5, 2005, towards Columbus.
The 12-time All-Star has 9 seasons with no less than 50 targets, together with a career-high 65 through the 2007-08 season. The three-time MVP, who gained the Stanley Cup in 2018, had 50 targets and 40 assists in 77 video games final season.
‘It is thoughts blowing,’ Chicago captain Jonathan Toews mentioned. ‘What number of guys can rating targets at his price within the season, not to mention yr after yr after yr? He is one in all a form, for positive.’
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals poses for a photograph with teammates after scoring a hat-trick and his 800th profession purpose, following the sport towards the Chicago Blackhawks at United Middle
