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    Sammi Silber·Feb 23, 2025·Partner

    Takeaways: Ovechkin Inches Closer To Gretzky & Makes More History As Capitals Down Oilers

    Geoff Burke — Imagn ImagesGeoff Burke — Imagn Images
    Ovechkin speaks following the Capitals' 7-3 win over the Oilers.

    WASHINGTON — There's just no stopping Alex Ovechkin.

    The Washington Capitals captain, refreshed and rejuvenated following the 4 Nations break, got right back to his high-scoring ways on Sunday, scoring a hat trick in vintage Ovi fashion en route to a dominant 7-3 win over Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

    Here are all the takeaways from the victory.

    Alex Ovechkin Inches Closer To History With Hat Trick

    Alex Ovechkin insists that he isn't thinking about the record, but as he gets closer, it has to be on his mind, especially as he continues to find twine.

    Taking a 2-1 lead into the second, Ovechkin and Washington decided to up the ante in the middle frame for the second straight game, and Ovechkin put on a show.

    The 39-year-old fired home a signature shot from the slot to make it 3-1. With that shot, Calvin Pickard became the 181st goaltender that Ovechkin has scored on.

    Then, later in the period, the Russian struck on a rocket of a slapshot from his office on the power play to extend D.C.'s lead.

    Finally, with 2:38 remaining in regulation, Ovechkin fired home an empty netter to make it 7-3 and complete the hat trick.

    Ovechkin now has 29 goals on the season and sits 13 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record. He is on pace to finish the season with 45 goals, which could put him at a total of 898.

    All the while, he made even more history with his goal counting as the game-winner; he now has 135 game-winning goals, tying Jaromir Jagr for the most in NHL history.

    Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun Extend Hot Streaks, Capitals Continue To Click Offensively

    In addition to Ovechkin, Tom Wilson and Jakob Chychrun remained red-hot, contributing to the team's win in big ways.

    Wilson, who had been a game-time decision after taking a cross-check to the back last game, picked up a goal and assist to extend his goal-scoring and point streak to three games. He has six goals and nine points in his last six outings overall, and continues to add to what's been a career-best season.

    Meanwhile, Chychrun fired home a power-play goal of his own for his 17th of the season and third goal in the last two games. The 26-year-old continues to play a vital role on D.C.'s blue line and has been a perfect fit since being acquired in the offseason. He also assisted on Ovechkin's power-play goal.

    Both added to another impressive offensive outing, as the team was clicking from the get-go and firing on all cylinders.

    After Ovechkin struck twice in the second, Connor McMichael had a give-and-go with John Carlson and another tally late in the frame. It marked his 20th goal of the season, marking the first time he's hit that milestone at the highest level, and he is the fourth Capitals player with at least 20 goals this season.

    Finally, Strome added a goal of his own in the third to secure the 6-2 win with his 18th of the season and third point of the game. He has points in eight straight outings, and Aliaksei Protas picked up his third assist of the game on Strome's goal, giving him his first career 50-point season.

    Not only was the offense strong at 5-on-5, but D.C. had two power-play goals. The man advantage continues to trend in the right direction it was headed in before the break.

    Capitals, Lindgren Shut Down McDavid & Oilers

    On the other side of the puck, the Capitals locked things down, and they also got a strong outing from Charlie Lindgren in his first game since before the break.

    After giving up a power-play goal in the opening minutes of play, Washington and Lindgren recovered in big ways, shutting down the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl going forward.

    Lindgren stopped 21 of 24 for the win, and the defense in front of him impressed, too, as the Capitals limited the Oilers' opportunities and, for the most part, controlled the tempo on Sunday.

    Top Shelf Takes

    - John Carlson picked up two helpers and now has assists in eight straight outings.

    - Strome also hit 40 assists for the third straight season; each of his 40-assist campaigns have been with Washington.

    - Pierre-Luc Dubois picked up an assist, extending his point streak to three games.

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