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The Chicago Blackhawks fail to steal the spotlight from Alex Ovechkin by blowing another lead

Chicago drops fifth straight as Ovechkin makes history with 894th career goal.
ByTy Glenn|
Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) greets Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) after the game at Capital One Arena. Ovechkin scored the 893rd and 894th goals of his career, tying Wayne Gretzky for most all-time goals scored in the NHL. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) greets Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) after the game at Capital One Arena. Ovechkin scored the 893rd and 894th goals of his career, tying Wayne Gretzky for most all-time goals scored in the NHL. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal record, scoring his 893rd and 894th career goal in the Washington Capitals' 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena Friday.

The 39-year-old forward notched a power play goal in the third period to match the goal record. It was also his 136th game winner, which is most in league history. Washington forward Ryan Leonard scored his first career goal late in the game to secure the win.

For the Blackhawks, they have now lost their fifth straight game and nine of their last ten and drop to 21-45-10 of the season.

Tyler Bertuzzi, Frank Nazar, and Philipp Kurashev scored for Chicago, while Spencer Knight stopped 25 of 28 shots.

All Even

The Capitals scored the first goal of the game on a goal from Alex Ovechkin to make it 1-0 for his 893rd career goal with a snap shot from the right circle.

Tyler Bertuzzi tied the game up at one with a back door tap in at the side of the net.

The Blackhawks and Capitals went to the locker room all tied up at one after 20 minutes of play.

Blackhawks Second Period

Frank Nazar gave the Blackhawks their first lead of the night 31 seconds into the second period with a shot from the slot after weaving through multiple Capitals defenders. Oliver Moore recorded his first NHL point with an assist on the play.

Martin Fehervary tied the game up at two, as he skated to the crease and buried a loose puck home after Connor McMichael's shot trickled through the pads of Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight.

Philipp Kurashev gave the Hawks their lead back ten seconds later, scoring on the rebound off the shot of Landon Slaggert. The Blackhawks took a one-goal lead into the locker room after the middle frame.

Capitals Seal the Game

Dylan Strome, the former Chicago Blackhawk, tied the game up at three on the power play. Connor Murphy knocked the puck in his own net for Strome to get credit for the goal.

Alex Ovechkin scored his second goal of the game to give the Caps the lead back and to tie Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goal record with a power play goal.

Ryan Leonard sealed the game with an empty-net score for his first career NHL goal. This was Leonard's third NHL game.

3 Takeaways from the Game:

1. Ovechkin makes History: Alex Ovechkin made history, scoring his 893rd and 894th goal to tie Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goal scoring record.

2. Ryan Leonard's first NHL Goal: Ryan Leonard, the Capitals' top prospect, scored his first NHL goal in his third NHL game with an empty-netter to cap off the night.

3. Oliver Moore's Performance: In just his third NHL game, Oliver Moore made a strong impression, finishing with a +2 rating, two assists, two shots on goal, one hit, and 11:56 of ice time.

What's Next: The Chicago Blackhawks return home for a home-and-home series against the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday at 5 p.m. CST. The game will stream on CHSN and ESPN+.

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