Ovechkin's goal ended a 14-game drought.

Alex Ovechkin was waiting 14 games for one moment, one that he's witnessed over 800 times in his career: a goal to end a lengthy drought. And on Thursday, he got it in storybook fashion for the Washington Capitals against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Ovechkin scored the overtime winner for his 828th career goal and 900th goal through regular season and playoffs combined to secure a 3-2 overtime win over the Blue Jackets.

Here are all the takeaways from the victory, which extends the Capitals' win streak to three games. They remain undefeated in the second game of back-to-backs.

Alex Ovechkin Ends Goal Drought To Give Capitals Overtime Win

Alex Ovechkin has been upping the ante and hungry to end his lengthy goal drought, and in regulation, he was furiously piling on shot after shot on Elvis Merzlikins while making over 13 attempts. Then, on an overtime power play, he cashed in.

Tom Wilson drew a penalty against Elvis Merzlikins, who let frustration boil over and went after No. 43 after he was pushed into his crease. On the ensuing PP, Ovechkin fired a classic shot for his sixth goal of the season.

The last time he'd scored was on Merzlikins back on Nov. 18, and he came full circle to get the job done.

He also had an assist en route to the win. He needs 67 more now to pass Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.

Anthony Mantha Steps Up To Stay Hot, Protas Adds To 5-on-5 Scoring Lead

The Capitals have seen Anthony Mantha turn a corner this season under new head coach Spencer Carbery, as he's regained his confidence and has become more productive on the top-6. He did just that again against Columbus.

Mantha struck late in the first period on a power play, tipping an Aex Ovechkin feed past Elvis Merzlikins to make it 1-0.

Then, in response to the Blue Jackets' game-tying goal from Cole Sillinger, Mantha stepped up to put the team back in front. He picked up a great feed from Aliaksei Protas and went top-shelf for his ninth goal of the season.

Mantha now has points in six of his last eight games and goals in three of his last six overall. He is on pace to finish with 23 goals.

Meanwhile, Protas added to his point total with an assist, marking his second consecutive game with a point. He leads the team in scoring at 5-on-5 with 14 points over 30 games.

Charlie Lindgren Helps Team Prevail, Capitals Give Up Two Leads Again After Stepping Off Gas

As was the case on Wednesday, the Capitals again took a step back in the second half of the game, as Columbus tilted the ice and outshot the team 28-18 in the final two periods.

Ultimately, Yegor Chinakhov was able to break through to force overtime, and both goals came after sustained pressure and too much time in the defensive zone.

Washington got a standout showing from Charlie Lindgren, though, as he stopped 35 of 37 shots (.947) en route to the win.

Special Teams Leads Way, Power Play Stays Hot

The power play had been a problem to open the season for D.C., but over the last five games, it is starting to find its touch. That continued on Thursday thanks to Mantha, and in large part, Ovechkin.

Washington got a power-play goal from Mantha, marking the team's second straight game with a PPG and the fourth time in five games the man advantage has converted.

Then, Ovechkin struck in overtime.

Not only did the power play impress on paper, but the team saw the PP unit move around and maintain possession while making set plays to get things going. A new looks challenged Marzlikins.

Ovechkin has been involved in nine of the team's 11 power-play goals, and though he;'s still struggling to find twine, he had several looks and chances on Merzlikins.

Top Shelf Takes

- Dylan Strome extended his point streak to six games with an assist on the OT winner.

- John Carlson had two assists and has three in his last two outings.