Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Watch: Alex Ovechkin's three-point night highlights Capitals win

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Oct 31, 2024 10:11 PM ET

The Washington Capitals are one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now.

Sitting at 7-2-0, Washington has been dominant at home and vanquished three undefeated visitors in that span (New York Rangers, Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights).

One major reason for the explosive start is long-time captain Alexander Ovechkin, who notched three points in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

Ovechkin scored career goal No. 858 as well as providing two helpers, his 128th multi-goal game all-time.

NO. 858 FOR OVI! pic.twitter.com/kRjpVx5BMN
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 1, 2024

Ovechkin's fifth tally of the young season now has him sitting just 37 goals from passing Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for the all-time record (894).

Entering Thursday's contest, the 39-year-old Russian super star was on pace for 41 goals this season which would set him up to tie Gretzky.

Ovechkin still has another year remaining on his contract with Washington, likely to be the final year of his career. So, if he for any reason cannot catch Gretzky this season, he'll have an entire year dedicated to it in 2025-26.

But as hockey fans know well, Ovechkin tends to score in batches. He's scored three goals in his last two games and Washington has put up four or more in six of its nine contests, this year to date.

So, if the trends are any indicator, he could be getting started on a signature heater.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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