Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin came into Tuesday night’s game against the Blackhawks with 797 goals. With three more, he would become the third player in NHL history to reach 800. With four, Ovechkin could tie Gordie Howe for second on the all-time list.
Before the game I ran a poll on Twitter asking Blackhawks fans if they thought he would get the hat trick. Roughly 55 percent of fans said he would get it before the game started.
Ovechkin didn’t really care much about warming up in the flow of the game. He scored goal No. 798 just 24 seconds into the game.
The Blackhawks took a penalty at 6:19 into the game, giving Ovechkin an opportunity to set up in his “office” and look for No. 799. He didn’t disappoint.
He came into the game needing three goals. He had two of them on the board within the first 8 minutes and change of the first period.
At 6:34 into the third period, it happened. Ovechkin was parked on the doorstep and deposited loose change for the historic goal.
Props to the United Center crowd for a lengthy standing ovation and recognition for the milestone.