OTTAWA, ON — Alex Ovechkin scored with 1:53 left in overtime to give the Washington Capitals a 1-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.
Ovechkin’s goal was the 874th of his career, moving him within 20 of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record, and he broke a league record by scoring against his 179th goaltender. Jaromir Jagr scored against 178 goalies.
The 39-year-old winger took a pass from Rasmus Sandin on a 2-on-1 breakaway and fired it past rookie Leevi Merilainen, who made 26 saves.
Logan Thompson made 24 saves for Washington, his second consecutive shutout.
Both goaltenders were solid as neither team generated many chances in regulation.
Andrew Mangiapane had a great chance in the third period on the Capitals’ lone power play but couldn’t beat Merilainen. The rookie’s save against Tom Wilson in overtime had the crowd chanting his name.
Ottawa went 0-for-3 on the power play and is 2-for-15 over its last five games.
The Capitals were held to a single shot in the first 16 minutes of the second period before mustering four during the last 3 1/2 minutes.
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Ottawa Senators Center Tim Stutzle (18) battles Washington Capitals Defenceman Rasmus Sandin (38) as Defenceman Matt Roy (3) looks on during first period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Donovan Sebrango (37) skates in his NHL debut during first period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Ottawa Senators Center Tim Stutzle (18) talks to Center Josh Norris (9) before a face-off during second period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Washington Capitals Left Wing Alex Ovechkin (8) skates after a whistle during second period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Ottawa Senators Goalie Leevi Merilainen (1) tracks the play during second period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Ottawa Senators Right Wing Drake Batherson (19) battles Washington Capitals Right Wing Tom Wilson (43) during third period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Washington Capitals Goalie Logan Thompson (48) takes a drink during third period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Washington Capitals Defenceman Jakob Chychrun (6) watches to people in the crowd after a whistle during third period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Ottawa Senators Center Ridly Greig (71) battles Washington Capitals Defenceman Matt Roy (3) in front of Goalie Logan Thompson (48) during third period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – JANUARY 16: Washington Capitals celebrate the win after overtime National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
