Alex Ovechkin has etched his name in NHL history by surpassing Wayne Gretzky's long-standing record with his 895th goal. The moment was celebrated in front of an electrified crowd, marking a significant milestone not just for Ovechkin but for the sport itself. Teammates and fans alike joined in the joyous occasion, which transcended mere statistics to embody the spirit of hockey. The record represents a remarkable achievement after over three decades, with Ovechkin's passion and character shining through as he shared in the joy of the moment with his teammates.

Coaches and fellow players noted Ovechkin's happiness for others' achievements, reflecting his leadership and positivity within the team. The entire hockey community rallied behind him as ticket prices fluctuated with his pursuit of the record. This unique blend of individual accomplishment within a team sport showcases Ovechkin's impact, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greats.

Andrei Svechnikov is making a promising return for the Carolina Hurricanes after missing three games due to an upper-body injury. Coach Rod Brind'Amour indicated that Svechnikov practiced yesterday and could potentially play on Thursday, highlighting that his participation in practice is a positive sign.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche has also made progress, participating fully in practice for the first time. This is an encouraging development as he continues to recover, with plans to travel with the team and skate during their upcoming road games. In contrast, the Avalanche are awaiting further evaluations on Josh Manson’s injury, while the Minnesota Wild deal with day-to-day updates on several players including Jonas Brodin, Kirill Kaprizov, and Joel Eriksson Ek.

The Winnipeg Jets demonstrated resilience by overcoming a two-goal deficit to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken in overtime. Dylan Samberg's decisive goal came just 1:47 into the extra period, showcasing the Jets' never-give-up attitude. Cole Perfetti contributed significantly, scoring a goal and adding an assist. Kyle Connor also found the net, bringing his season total to 36 goals. The Jets' strong performance was further highlighted by Vladislav Namestnikov's two assists and a solid effort in goal from Eric Comrie, who made 14 saves before leaving the game after a collision, paving the way for Connor Hellebuyck to step in temporarily.

Seattle’s early lead was established by Jani Nyman and Michael Eyssimont, but Winnipeg's late first-period goal by Perfetti changed momentum. Connor's equalizer in the second period demonstrated the Jets' offensive capability, especially after Morgan Barron's crucial blocked shot led to his breakaway goal. Despite the loss, Joey Daccord's 23 saves kept the Kraken competitive as they strive to recover from a recent slump. The victory marked a significant achievement for Winnipeg, moving them ahead of Washington in the standings, while Seattle struggles to maintain playoff hopes.

The Washington Capitals showcased their offensive firepower, defeating the Anaheim Ducks 7-4 during the first leg of their California road trip. This victory marked their fifth consecutive win, pushing their record for the season to an impressive 43-14-8. Goaltender Logan Thompson delivered a solid performance with 26 saves. Key players included Dylan Strome, who scored the opening goal and extended his point streak to five games. Tom Wilson also continued his strong form, contributing with two assists and setting a new career high for points in a season.

As the game unfolded, a back-and-forth scoring battle ensued with each team trading goals. Aliaksei Protas emerged as the standout player, netting a hat trick, including a crucial empty-net goal in the closing seconds. The Capitals' balanced scoring was evident, with multiple players reaching significant milestones, such as Pierre-Luc Dubois recording key assists and Andrew Mangiapane finding his rhythm on the third line.

Amidst a dismal season, the Chicago Blackhawks confront pivotal decisions regarding Seth Jones and other players. Jones, who requested a trade, is tied to a hefty $9.5 million annual contract for the next five years and has displayed solid offensive stats (27 points in 42 games) despite injury setbacks. The significant salary demands pose a challenge for management, especially considering his declining speed at 30 years old.

The Blackhawks are also considering the future of Connor Murphy, a dependable defenseman looking for playoff opportunities after 721 regular-season games without a playoff appearance. Murphy's contract, set at $4.4 million for one more season, may entice teams looking for defensive assets. Meanwhile, Ryan Donato is enjoying a career year, and if the Blackhawks can secure a solid return for him, it could be an avenue for rebuilding.