Watch: Incredible save prevents Capitals' Ovechkin from scoring

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) makes a save on Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin (not pictured) in the first period at Capital One Arena. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Watch: Incredible save prevents Capitals' Alex Ovechkin from inching closer to record

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 8:03 PM ET

Senators goalie Linus Ullmark prevented Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin from inching closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record with an incredible save on Monday.

With Washington leading 2-0 late in the first period, Ovechkin nearly gave the Caps a three-goal advantage when he ripped a shot from the face-off circle to Ullmark's right.

The 10-year veteran goalie extended for an unbelievable deflection off his right glove to keep the deficit at two goals.

Linus Ullmark takes away a sure goal from Alex Ovechkin with a HUGE blocker save! ‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/Pw5rnijYto
— NHL (@NHL) March 4, 2025

Entering Monday, Ovechkin has 884 career goals, 11 shy of breaking Gretzky's record (894).

The 12-time All-Star has five goals in his last four games, including a hat trick on Feb. 23 against the Oilers.

Ullmark is two years removed from winning the Jennings and Vezina Trophies, given annually to the goalie(s) who played in at least 25 games on the team that allowed the fewest goals and the league's best goalkeeper, respectively.

With 21 games remaining in the 2024 regular season after Monday's game, Ovechkin will have enough opportunities to potentially become the NHL's goal king by the start of the playoffs.

He had an outstanding opportunity to move closer to Gretzky's mark against Ottawa, but Ullmark wouldn't oblige.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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