Watch: Alex Ovechkin scores in first-period explosion

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with Capitals center Aliaksei Protas (21) and Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary (42) after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period at Capital One Arena. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Watch: Alex Ovechkin scores in Capitals' first-period explosion vs. Blue Jackets

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Nov 2, 2024 6:22 PM ET

Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are on a hot streak.

The 39-year-old Russian scored his sixth goal of the season Saturday as part of the team's first-period offensive explosion against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Washington put five pucks into the net over the first 15 minutes of the game.

the greatest goal scorer ever decided he wanted to get in on the scoring today pic.twitter.com/y2p3P6GBr6
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 2, 2024

Ovechkin also notched an assist, his sixth of the year, during Washington's first-period bombardment. He extended his goal and point streaks to three games (four goals, three assists, seven points).

His goal was No. 859 of his career, leaving him 36 shy of passing Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for most all-time (894).

Washington won seven of its last eight games entering Saturday's contest, sitting third in the Metropolitan Division.

The team has had 13 different skaters find the back of the net this year, with five different forwards scoring during Saturday's first period alone.

It was the first time since March 3, 2008, that Washington scored five goals in a single period, per league stats.

Austen Bundy

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

More must-reads: