On Tuesday, the Washington Capitals lost to the Winnipeg Jets in overtime, 3-2, at Canada Life Centre. Washington’s superstar, Alex Ovechkin, skated closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time, single-season goal record by scoring his 889th career goal late in the contest to force extra hockey. Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers ended the game at 1:28 after receiving a stretch pass from Dylan Samberg, entered the offensive zone, and wired a shot above the right-handed goalie glove of Logan Thompson for the 3-2 win for the Jets. If necessary, Winnipeg holds the tie-breaker over Washington in the competition for the Presidents’ Trophy with a 2-0 series sweep in the regular season. On Feb. 1, Winnipeg escaped Washington with a 5-4 overtime win.
Mangiapane’s Fiery First Period Results in a Capitals Goal
Capitals winger Andrew Mangiapane had an eventful first period. After taking a bad check from defenseman Colin Miller, Mangiapane got his revenge with a stiff cross-check to the Jets’ crest. Both players were whistled for minor penalties with the standardized two-minute cool-down period in the penalty box.
Once Mangiapane was released from hockey jail, he collected a loose puck in the defensive zone and kick-started an odd-man rush toward Connor Hellebuyck’s net. The winger passed to a trailing Jakob Chychrun, who sent it right back for a one-timer that surprised the Jets goaltender as it sailed past his outstretched pad to tie the game at one. “It was a good give-and-go by ‘Chechy’ (Chychrun), and I was happy to see that one go in for us,” Mangiapane told the media postgame.
Alex Ovechkin Scores Goal No. 889
In one of the louder reactions you’ll hear from a crowd after witnessing a game-tying road goal, Ovechkin scored his 889th regular-season goal with four minutes to play in regulation. With Washington trailing 2-1, the Capitals worked the puck around the offensive zone. As the puck was contested on the near boards, Ovechkin leisurely slipped into his goal-scoring position in the right-side faceoff circle. Aliaksei Protas whipped a perfect cross-ice pass to the waiting winger, who sniped a shot above the blocker of Hellebucyk to tie the game. “It’s a fun time, obviously,” Ovechkin said postgame about his chase of the NHL goal record. “You just have to enjoy. It’s a special moment. Everybody is watching.”
FROM HIS OFFICE. pic.twitter.com/Wno8av27ME
— x – Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 26, 2025
The goal leaves Ovechkin five short of tying Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 regular season goals. Washington has 11 games remaining in the 2024-25 season, most of which will be in front of visiting NHL fans. The Capitals have four games remaining at Capital One Arena and seven road contests, including trips to non-playoff clubs like the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Fans in Minnesota will get the next opportunity to witness history during “The Gr8 Chase” as the Capitals visit the Minnesota Wild tomorrow night.
Chychrun Provides Assist on Contract Extension Day
Before the puck dropped yesterday in Winnipeg, Washington handled some critical business ahead of the offseason. The Capitals handed Chychrun an eight-year, $72 million contract extension expected to keep the blueliner in D.C. for the next decade. Chyrchrun, 26, spent the first six years of his career with the Arizona Coyotes before a trade sent him to Ottawa in May 2023. After two seasons in Canada, the Senators traded the 6-foot-2 defenseman to Washington this past offseason.
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The Florida native has excelled in Washington this season, scoring 46 points in 66 games for the Capitals. Chychrun’s numbers have increased across the board with the Capitals. He has tied a career-high in goals (18) while also setting new benchmarks for points (46) and game-winning goals (six). Over his nine-year NHL career, he has collected 240 points in 373 games. The NHL veteran will make his second trip to the NHL postseason later this spring.
