Injuries are piling up for several NHL teams as the playoffs approach. Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal sat out for a second consecutive game due to a lower-body injury, raising concerns about his availability in the postseason. Teammate Andrei Svechnikov left the last match early, though coach Rod Brind'Amour indicated the injury isn't serious. Meanwhile, Hurricanes' William Carrier is on the mend, having skated in a no-contact jersey for two days.

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk has recently resumed skating, but uncertainty remains regarding his readiness. The New Jersey Devils are also monitoring Dougie Hamilton's progress, as he recovers from knee surgery, with expectations that he may be back by the second round. In New York, Rangers forward Matt Rempe participated in the morning skate after an upper-body injury, while David Kampf and Jake McCabe exited their previous game with injuries. The Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with Evgeni Malkin, who is traveling with the team but has missed the last three games due to an upper-body injury.

Alex Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record, netting his 892nd goal during a tough 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Ovechkin's performance was overshadowed by the team's struggles, as he found himself denied several times by Carolina’s goaltender, Frederik Andersen. Despite the loss, Ovechkin's goal puts him just two away from tying Gretzky, with hopes to break the record later this season.

This season, Ovechkin has been on a scoring tear with 39 goals thus far, aiming for a 14th season with at least 40 goals, a record in itself. His ability to produce even after suffering an injury highlights his determination and skill. The Capitals, currently leading the Eastern Conference, have seven games remaining, providing Ovechkin ample opportunity to chase history.

In a high-stakes clash, the Carolina Hurricanes triumphed over the Washington Capitals, clinching a playoff spot with a decisive 5-1 victory. Alex Ovechkin netted his 892nd career goal, closing in on Wayne Gretzky's legendary record. However, the standout was rookie Jackson Blake, who scored twice, supporting a potent offensive display from the Hurricanes. Alongside goals from Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, and Sean Walker, Carolina showcased their depth. In net, Frederik Andersen continued his strong form, stopping 20 shots to secure his seventh consecutive win.

The Capitals, already playoff-bound, appeared sluggish after a recent back-to-back, with goalie Logan Thompson's upper-body injury raising concerns. Meanwhile, Jarvis reached a personal milestone with his 30th goal of the season, and Blake's resurgence after a 25-game drought highlights the Hurricanes’ exciting young talent.

In a thrilling comeback, the Washington Capitals faced a formidable challenge against the Carolina Hurricanes. Trailing by four goals in the second period, team captain Alex Ovechkin scored an impressive goal, his 892nd, putting him just three shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record. Ovechkin executed a classic one-timer past goaltender Frederik Andersen during a power play, showcasing his legendary scoring ability.

This season, Ovechkin has excelled, netting 39 goals and extending his record for 40-goal seasons to 13. His recent performance includes scoring in three consecutive matches, a milestone he has now achieved 60 times throughout his career. As the Capitals continue their playoff push, they will face off against the Chicago Blackhawks at home, with Ovechkin's pursuit of greatness front and center.

Wednesday night features an exciting five-game slate in the NHL, highlighted by Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals visiting the Carolina Hurricanes at 7 p.m. ET. This matchup is part of a national doubleheader on TNT. Later, the Colorado Avalanche will face off against the Chicago Blackhawks at 9:30 p.m. ET, concluding the evening's festivities.

The Minnesota Wild are in New York to take on the Rangers, both teams vying for crucial playoff positions. The Wild aim to rebound from a recent shootout loss, with Filip Gustavsson looking to make a statement in net. The Rangers, despite a rough season, are still in the playoff hunt, trailing the final wild card spot by just two points. Artemi Panarin has been exceptional, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks clash at Rogers Arena, with Vancouver pushing for a playoff spot. Seattle has been struggling lately, but Jaden Schwartz continues to shine offensively. The Canucks hope to leverage their home advantage to secure a win that could keep their playoff dreams alive.