Ovechkin Surpasses Howe to Lead Capitals Over Kings 2-1

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin scored his 903rd career NHL goal as the Washington Capitals defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Monday night at Capital One Arena.

With his goal, Ovechkin not only secured the win for the Capitals but also broke Gordie Howe‘s record for the most regular-season goals scored at a single venue, netting his 442nd goal at Capital One Arena. This feat marked a significant moment in his storied career, as he passed Howe’s previous record of 441 goals scored at Detroit Olympia.

Ovechkin’s historic goal came during a crucial period in the game, bringing him to goals in back-to-back games and four goals in his last seven outings. His teammate, Matt Roy, also contributed with a goal early in the first period, ending his scoring drought of 25 games.

“Incredible, right? He just has such a nose for the net…he’s the best,” said teammate Nic Dowd after the game.

The Kings had a strong start to the season, winning four straight games before the loss, marking just their second regulation road loss this year. Anze Kopitar scored Los Angeles’s sole goal, tapping in a power play opportunity with just over six minutes remaining in the second period.

Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren was pivotal in the win, stopping 30 of 31 shots. “He kept us in the game,” said Ovechkin. “That’s what we needed tonight.”

This victory comes as a much-needed boost for the Capitals, who have faced challenges this season, currently sitting near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division.

The teams will face each other again in a few weeks when Washington visits the Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 2. The Kings are set to continue their six-game road trip against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.