Ovechkin scores 700th career goal, Devils beat Capitals 3-2
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Alex Ovechkin became the eight NHL player to score 700 career goals, reaching the milestone in the third period of the Washington’ Capitals‘ 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
The 34-year-old Ovechkin scored on a slap shot from the right circle that went in off the left post 4:50 into the third period, tying the game at 2. It was his 42nd goal of the season and came on his second shot on goal of the game.
Capitals players rushed onto the ice to congratulate their teammate, and Devils fans gave him a strong ovation.
Wayne Gretzky leads the career list with 894 goals. He is followed by Gordie Howe (801), Jaromir Jagr (766), Brett Hull (741), Marcel Dionne (731), Phil Esposito (717) and Mike Gartner (708).
Damon Severson scored the winning goal for last-place New Jersey with 1:59 left off a cross-ice pass from Nikita Gusev. Wayne Simmonds and Jesper Bratt also scored for the Devils, and Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 33 shots.
Tom Wilson also scored for the Capitals. Ilya Samsonov made 26 saves as Washington lost its fourth straight.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Scott Laughton scored two goals as Philadelphia extended its winning streak to three games with a win over Winnipeg.
Sean Couturier and Tyler Pitlick also scored and Justin Braun had three assists for the Flyers, who won for the fourth time in five games and improved to 21-5-4 at home.
Josh Morrissey and Patrik Laine scored for Winnipeg. The Jets had won three in a row while outscoring opponents 14-6 during their season-best winning streak.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jack Eichel scored twice as Buffalo dealt Pittsburgh its second blowout in three days.
Zemgus Girgensons, Sam Reinhart and Jeff Skinner also scored for the Sabres. Connor Hutton turned away 41 shots as Buffalo earned its second regulation victory in its last 20 meetings with Pittsburgh.
Evgeni Malkin picked up his 19th and 20th goals for Pittsburgh. Tristan Jarry finished with 21 saves.
