On Saturday afternoon, the Washington Capitals paid a visit to TD Garden where they took on the Boston Bruins. The losers of six straight games needed a big win in the worst way.
Well, they played one of their best games of the season. They shut down the Bruins' powerful attack and shut them out 3-0. It was a huge victory for this Capitals team fighting for their life in the Eastern Conference.
Not only did they win, but their captain also made some history. With a 2-0 lead, Alexander Ovechkin scored into the empty net to seal the game.
This was his 12th goal of the season which made it four straight games with a goal. It was also his 57th career empty net goal. That passed Wayne Gretzky for the most empty-net goals in the history of the NHL.
Alexander Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer in the history of the NHL
Ovechkin is chasing all sorts of Gretzky goal-scoring records and this one is officially checked off the list. Goal scorers find ways to score goals and that includes on the empty cages.
This was the 834th career goal in the career of Ovechkin. That means that he is only 60 goals away from tying Gretzky's all-time mark as well. The empty net record is nice but we know which one he truly wants to pass.
Ovechkin is having a down year by his standards. However, if he can reach 20 goals, that would be a great age-38 season.
You also never know what he can do beyond this year. He should be seen as a threat to score big numbers again next year. He could continue being a 20-goal man or he could pop off for 30 again. This man is a special hockey player.
it was cool to see him break this empty net record too. The Capitals embrace what he is doing with all of these records and it is fun to watch. We can only hope that the fun continues for a few more years.