• Alex Ovechkin is just five goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894 goals, despite the Capitals facing a three-game losing streak.
• The Capitals’ struggles overshadow Ovechkin’s milestone, as both he and head coach Spencer Carbery emphasize the need to bounce back before playoffs.
• At 39, Ovechkin remains on pace to break the record this spring, with 37 goals this season despite missing 16 games due to injury.

Alex Ovechkin is just five goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894 goals. Despite scoring his 890th goal during the Washington Capitals‘ 8-5 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, Ovechkin’s historic pursuit comes at a challenging time for the Capitals, who are now on a three-game losing streak.

A Historic Chase Amid Challenges

Ovechkin, serving as Washington’s captain, continues to lead by example. His goal against Buffalo—a deft deflection of a Rasmus Sandin shot past James Reimer—showcased his enduring skills and determination. However, the Capitals’ current struggles overshadowed his milestone moment.

Speaking after the game, Ovechkin remained focused on the team’s bigger picture. “Right now, we’ve lost three in a row,” he said. “It’s a good thing it happens now and not in the playoffs, but we need to bounce back and find a way to win.”

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Capitals Face Growing Pains

Washington head coach Spencer Carbery echoed Ovechkin’s sentiment, emphasizing the team’s underperformance. “We got what we deserved tonight,” Carbery stated. “That’s not who we are.” The Capitals, still leading the Metropolitan Division by 11 points, must address their recent form as the postseason approaches.

Ovechkin’s Record-Breaking Potential

At 39 years old, Ovechkin is on pace to break Gretzky’s record this spring, an achievement once considered unattainable. With 37 goals this season—despite missing 16 games due to a broken left fibula—he remains a dominant force on the ice. If he reaches 40 goals for the 14th time in his career, he will set another NHL record.

Washington teammate Aliaksei Protas reflected on Ovechkin’s incredible feats, calling the record pursuit “an insane number” and adding, “he’s chasing something special.”

Buffalo Steals the Spotlight

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Despite Ovechkin’s pursuit, Sunday’s game belonged to Buffalo’s Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson, who each scored twice. The Sabres secured their 31st win of the season, exploiting Washington’s lackluster top-six performance, which Carbery admitted “hasn’t looked great.”

Looking Ahead

Ovechkin and the Capitals aim to regroup as they face the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. Will they recover their form, or will this slump continue?

Share Your Thoughts

What are your thoughts on Ovechkin’s record chase and the Capitals’ recent struggles? Share your insights with us in the comments! Don’t forget to explore more stories on The Dupree Report and share this article with fellow hockey fans!

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