Alex Ovechkin made history by scoring the first playoff overtime goal of his NHL career, propelling the Washington Capitals to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

Despite a two-goal lead evaporating in the third period, Ovechkin's second goal of the game, 3:26 into overtime, kept the Capitals' hopes alive. The Capitals displayed physical dominance throughout the game, but the Canadiens made a fierce comeback, sparked by Cole Caufield's goal and Nick Suzuki's equalizer late in the third. Goaltender Logan Thompson faced 33 shots in his return from injury, while Sam Montembeault stopped 29 for the Canadiens.

Connor Bedard showcased his potential in the Chicago Blackhawks' season finale, scoring a pair of goals against the Ottawa Senators and assisting Frank Nazar for the overtime winner in a 4-3 victory. This game, while a bright spot in a tough season for the Blackhawks, highlighted areas needing improvement, as interim coach Anders Sörensen noted the team wasn't at its best. Despite the uncertain future, Bedard and his teammates, many of whom are former first-round picks, remain optimistic about their growth.

Bedard emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities during the game, crediting goalie Spencer Knight for his stellar performance that kept the team competitive. Nazar's late-season surge, which included goals in three consecutive games, signifies a promising young core that the Blackhawks hope can lead them toward success. Even players like Ryan Donato and Kevin Korchinski contributed positively, reflecting a blend of experience and youth that the team is cultivating.

The Chicago Blackhawks secured a much-needed 3-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, ending a five-game losing streak. Rookie Frank Nazar broke through with a shorthanded goal in the second period, followed by Ilya Mikheyev's 19th goal of the season in the third, showcasing the Hawks' resilience and teamwork. Interim coach Anders Sörensen praised the players for maintaining composure during the game, highlighting their growth in handling pressure situations. Spencer Knight, the Blackhawks’ goalie, reflected on the importance of the win over personal accolades such as shutouts.

This game not only marked a crucial turning point for the young Hawks but also featured promising performances from players like Nazar and Mikheyev, who demonstrated their potential as they continue to develop into key contributors. Despite their struggles throughout the season, the Blackhawks showcased a blend of patience and strategic play, particularly in the third period, where they typically falter. With players like Connor Bedard and Sam Rinzel stepping up alongside established veterans, the Blackhawks are cautiously optimistic as they aim to build on this victory.

Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of making history as he ties Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record at 894. In a thrilling matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, Ovechkin scored twice in the third period before being faced with the opportunity for an empty-net goal. However, he chose to remain on the bench, expressing the desire to break the record in a more prestigious fashion, rather than with an easy goal.

Ovechkin's selfless decision allowed rookie Ryan Leonard to score his first career goal. Despite Ovechkin’s absence for that moment, he returned to the ice and made several attempts to secure his hat trick but was thwarted by Spencer Knight, the Blackhawks' goalie. The Capitals ultimately won 5-3, leaving Ovechkin with six games remaining to break the record, a milestone that carries great significance for him.

Alex Ovechkin is on the cusp of tying Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL scoring record with 893 goals, just one shy of the legendary 894. In a recent game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Ovechkin scored his 40th goal of the 2024-25 season, marking his 14th career season with at least 40 goals, a feat unmatched by any current player.

Despite a broken fibula earlier in the season, Ovechkin's scoring has remained impressive, positioning the Washington Capitals as a playoff team. With the Capitals clinching their playoff berth early, they look to Ovechkin as a key player as he chases Gretzky's record, all while leading the Eastern Conference.