WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin netted his 886th career goal with an empty-net shot, securing the Washington Capitals’ 4-2 triumph over the Seattle Kraken on Sunday. This achievement places him nine goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record. This victory also marked the fourth consecutive win for the Capitals, who are leading the Eastern Conference.
Ovechkin’s goal, a backhander from center ice with just 1:31 left on the clock, sent fans into ecstatic cheers chanting “Ovi! Ovi!” This was not only his 33rd goal of the season but also celebrated his 1,600th career point.
The game saw Connor McMichael net a critical go-ahead goal shortly after an intense altercation, where all five skaters from each team found themselves penalized. Even from the penalty boxes, players exchanged heated words, culminating in Washington’s Brandon Duhaime receiving a 10-minute misconduct and being led off the ice. Further post-play confrontations required officials to keep players like Tom Wilson and John Hayden at bay.
Additional goals for the Capitals came from Martin Fehervary and Dylan Strome, while Charlie Lindgren contributed with 30 saves. Their win further cemented their strong lead in the Eastern Conference and Metropolitan Division.
For the Kraken, Shane Wright and Jordan Eberle scored, with Joey Daccord stopping 20 out of 23 shots. Unfortunately, they couldn’t secure consecutive wins over the weekend.
**Takeaways**
For the Kraken, the focus remains on the future, with Shane Wright standing out, having scored 15 goals, indicating a promising career in Seattle.
For the Capitals, recent performances suggest a newfound momentum following a dip midseason.
**Key Moment**
McMichael’s redirection of John Carlson’s slap pass broke the tie with 4:16 remaining.
**Key Stat**
The matchup saw both teams amass a total of 50 penalty minutes.
**Up Next**
The Capitals embark on a three-game road trip through California, opening against Anaheim on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the Kraken will face Montreal at home on Wednesday night.
