Ovechkin Nears Gretzky’s Goal Record as Capitals Shut Out Kraken 3-0

By Anastasios Gordon Sekandi updated at 17:14 EAT Friday 24 Jan 2025

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) is congratulated after scoring against the Seattle Kraken during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Seattle. Courtesy Photo.

SEATTLE — Alex Ovechkin inched closer to hockey history, moving within 20 goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL all-time scoring record. Ovechkin’s empty-net goal helped seal the Washington Capitals’ 3-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Friday night, extending the Capitals’ winning streak to six games.

The goal marked Ovechkin’s 22nd of the season and the 875th of his illustrious career. Gretzky’s record of 894 goals remains within striking distance as Ovechkin continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history.

Goaltender Charlie Lindgren was stellar in his first start since January 10, stopping all 22 shots he faced to earn his first shutout of the season. The Capitals, who lead the NHL in shutouts, recorded their third in five games, following back-to-back clean sheets by Logan Thompson against Anaheim and Ottawa last week.

Aliaksei Protas and Ethen Frank added goals to round out the scoring.

Joey Daccord made 30 saves for Seattle in his fifth consecutive start, marking a milestone 100th NHL game.

Takeaways

Capitals:
Trevor van Riemsdyk and Jakob Chychrun assisted on Alex Ovechkin’s empty-net goal with 3:28 remaining in the game.

Pierre-Luc Dubois extended his point streak to three games with an assist.

Kraken:
Seattle has been shut out six times this season, a troubling statistic for the team.

Washington Capitals players celebrate a win over the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Seattle. Courtesy Photo.

Key Moment
With just 16 seconds left in the second period, Lindgren made a crucial save, denying Oliver Bjorkstrand on a breakaway to keep the game within reach.

Up Next
Both teams return to action on Saturday. The Capitals will face the Vancouver Canucks on the road, while the Kraken host the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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