SALT LAKE CITY — In an exciting matchup on Monday night, Alex Ovechkin netted two goals, tying an NHL record. His performance helped the Washington Capitals secure a decisive 6-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club. However, Ovechkin was forced to exit the game with a potential leg injury early in the third period.
Ovechkin’s first goal came against Connor Ingram, marking the 178th unique goaltender he has scored against during his remarkable 20-year NHL career, thereby equaling the record previously set by Jaromir Jagr. He left the rink just 5:30 into the final period after the injury.
Charlie Lindgren made 24 saves for Washington, while teammates Dylan Strome and Brandon Duhaime both contributed with a goal and an assist each. For Utah, Jack McBain and Nick Bjugstad found the back of the net. Karel Vejmelka came in to relieve Ingram in the second, and together they made 18 saves.
The game began with McBain giving Utah an early lead, scoring just 3:05 into the first period. Strome quickly leveled the score with an unassisted wrap-around goal, followed by Nic Dowd’s quick strike just 10 seconds later, putting the Capitals ahead. Ovechkin then extended Washington’s lead with a powerful shot that beat Ingram’s glove, coming 8:55 into the first period. Furthermore, Ovechkin added another goal on a slap shot from 40 feet out while on a power play 5:38 into the second, bringing the score to 4-1 in favor of the Capitals.
In terms of notable points from the game, Washington has achieved remarkable success in its recent road games, scoring a total of 24 goals in the past four outings and winning every one of them, with each game seeing at least five goals scored. On the other hand, McBain has been a bright spot for the Utah squad, leading the team with three goals in the last five games. Ian Cole, who assisted on McBain’s goal, reached a career milestone with his 200th point during this game.
A pivotal moment came when Strome and Dowd managed to put two goals on the board just 10 seconds apart, effectively turning the tide in the game after a brief 1-0 deficit for Washington.
Ovechkin currently sits atop the NHL rankings with 15 goals this season, having scored five within his last two games. Looking ahead, the Capitals will host the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, while Utah is set to embark on a four-game road trip starting with a game against the Boston Bruins the same day.