NHL Scores: Alex Ovechkin scores 718 as Capitals end Islanders win streak, Nazem Kadri notches 4 points, and more
Anthony Scultore
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Don’t look now Wayne Gretzky, but Alex Ovechkin is on a little goal streak. Last night Ovi took sole possession of 6th All-Time on the goal scoring list with goal 718. It was also his 4th straight game with a tally.
NHL News: Ovechkin scores goal 718 and stops Islanders streak at 9
Ovechkin set up on the power play in his familiar spot at the left circle. Nicklas Backstrom moved the puck to Justin Schultz to the point and he found the man with the best shot in the world for the one-timer.
“It doesn’t matter which — one-timer, wrist shot, redirect — a goal is a goal,” Ovechkin said. “It’s always a nice feeling to get it. … Great job by ‘Nicky’ and [Justin Schultz] to move the puck past, and for me I just have to hit the net. Finally.”
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It turned out to be the game winning goal as Ilya Samsonov made 21 saves and the Capitals beat the Islanders 3-1. The victory also put the Capitals in a tie for first place in the East as they stopped Barry Trotz’s team’s winning streak at nine. Peter Laviolette’s charges have now won six in a row.
In other East action, the Bruins stopped the bleeding and the Penguins winning streak for a 2-1 win. Dan Vladar won his first ever NHL start in impressive fashion to beat the high powered Pens. And the Sabres woes continue as they fell to the Devils 3-2.
NHL News: Nazem Kadri helps Avalanche blow by Ducks
The Avalanche did not have a good start to the game and were down 4-2 after one period. They did have some of the best offensive players in the game and Nazem Kadri was the star with two goals and two assists to help the Avs blow by the Ducks 8-4.
“We work pretty well as a line,” Kadri said of Saad and Burakovsky. “We’re always talking, communicating, that’s a big key to know where each guy is on the ice. We’ve definitely been playing well. I think we’ve been pretty solid for the most part and we’re going to look forward to doing that down the stretch.”
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With the win, Colorado closes the gap with first place Vegas by three points. Although the Knights also need to worry about the Wild who picked up a 3-0 win over the Coyotes and are two points behind them. Rookie goalie Kaapo Kahkonen made 31 saves for the shutout and is on a 9 game winning streak.
NHL Scores: Red Wings stun Hurricanes, Lightning back in first
The Hurricanes had a chance to take sole possession of first in the Central but were stopped by the Red Wings. Jonathan Bernier made 35 saves to backstop Detroit’s win with Adam Erne scoring two power play goals.
“We didn’t win at special teams,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “It’s hard to give up two goals on the penalty kill and win games in this league.”
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Tampa didn’t waste their opportunity and moved back into a tie for first with Florida. It took a shootout but the Lightning were able to come away with the 4-3 victory over the Stars.