OTTAWA, Ontario — Alex Ovechkin broke the NHL record for the most goaltenders scored on, beating Leevi Merilainen with 1:53 left in overtime to give the Washington Capitals a 1-0 victory at the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.
Merilainen became the 179th goalie Ovechkin has scored against, breaking a tie with Jaromir Jagr atop the career list. Jagr scored against 178 goalies.
The 39-year-old winger took a pass from Rasmus Sandin on a 2-on-1 breakaway and fired it past Merilainen, who made 27 saves.
Ovechkin raised his arms and pumped his fist before he was mobbed by teammates after his game-winner. It was his 27th career overtime goal, extending his record. Sidney Crosby is second with 22.
Ovechkin is chasing Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record. With No. 874, he moved 20 away from passing Gretzky’s mark of 894 that long seemed unapproachable.
The 39-year-old winger continues scoring at a pace unseen in hockey history. Ovechkin is on pace to get to 895 and beyond this spring.
Ovechkin’s goal against Ottawa was his 21st of the season in just his 29th game - he missed 16 games because of a broken left leg. He has gotten to 20 in all 20 of his seasons in the league, including 2013 when a lockout shortened it to 48 games and 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic cut the schedule to 56 games.
Logan Thompson made 25 saves for Washington, his second consecutive shutout.
Both goaltenders were solid as neither team generated many chances in regulation.
Andrew Mangiapane had a great chance in the third period on the Capitals’ lone power play but couldn’t beat Merilainen. The rookie’s save against Tom Wilson in overtime had the crowd chanting his name.
Ottawa went 0-for-3 on the power play and is 2-for-15 over its last five games.
The Capitals were held to a single shot in the first 16 minutes of the second period before mustering four during the last 3 1/2 minutes.
Washington hosts Pittsburgh and Ottawa hosts Boston on Saturday.
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