Just because Alex Ovechkin is 12 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record doesn’t mean the St. Louis Blues felt safe from a quadruple hat trick on Thursday night.
Coming into the game, Ovechkin had scored eight goals in his last eight contests, including his 32nd career hatty against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday.
After being defeated by the Capitals at their own barn 8-1 on November 9 (Ovechkin scored twice), the Blues returned the favor at Capital One Arena, defeating the East’s best team 5-2. St. Louis held the Caps’ legendary winger off the scoresheet for just the 15th time this season and goalless for the 20th time. Ovi finished the night with four shots and a plus-minus of minus-4.
On social media, the Blues celebrated with a Facebook meme, as now that their two-game season schedule against the Capitals is over, they’re officially safe from Ovechkin making history against them — at least in 2024-25.
The Blues are now the 12th team in the NHL that’s done playing Washington this season and can watch Ovechkin’s chase of Gretzky from afar. There are 19 NHL teams out there, however, who can’t say the same.
After not lighting the lamp against St. Louis, Ovechkin is now on pace to tie Gretzky on April 1 against the Boston Bruins and break the record on April 4 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
St. Louis saddles the Caps with a second straight home defeat: Blues beat Capitals 5-2
The Washington Capitals squared off with the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night, looking to start a new point streak at home after falling to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. Washington trounced the Blues 8-1 in their prior meeting this season back on November 9.
Philip Broberg opened the scoring with a near tap-in at the back post. Pierre-Luc Dubois made a nice move to his backhand to tie the game. Broberg struck again moments later to put the Blues back up one.
Connor McMichael tied the game at two with a beautiful individual effort. Dylan Holloway and Colton Parayko scored twice just 35 seconds apart to restore the Blues lead. Jake Neighbours notched an empty netter.
Blues beat Capitals 5-2.
