Washington, November 21, 2025
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin achieved a significant NHL milestone on November 20, 2025, scoring a hat trick and an assist in an 8-4 win over the Montreal Canadiens to move into 10th place on the league’s all-time career points list.
Ovechkin’s Historic Performance
In the game played in Washington, Alex Ovechkin tied Brett Hull for the fourth-most career hat tricks in NHL history with his 33rd. He tallied three goals and one assist, bringing his career point total to 1,643 (907 goals, 736 assists). This total surpassed Joe Sakic’s, moving Ovechkin into 10th place on the NHL’s all-time scoring leaderboard. His opening goal was notably scored just two seconds into a first-period power play, marking his fourth consecutive game with a goal.
Statistical Highlights
Ovechkin’s second goal in the third period marked his 906th career goal, inching him closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. His final goal, an empty-netter, completed the hat trick and clinched the Capitals’ victory. This performance followed two previous hat tricks in the past month, underlining Ovechkin’s continued offensive strength at age 40.
Game Context and Team Contributions
The Capitals demonstrated offensive dominance in the match, ending with eight goals against the Canadiens’ four. Key contributors included Ethen Frank, who scored two goals and two assists, and Sonny Milano with two goals. Montreal’s goaltender Sam Montembeault was pulled from the game after conceding three goals on 10 shots, underscoring Washington’s offensive pressure.
Legacy and Significance
Ovechkin now stands as one of only ten players in NHL history to accumulate 1,643 or more points, cementing his place among hockey’s elite. His career goal total of 907 remains a focal point in the ongoing chase to surpass Gretzky’s all-time record. This recent performance adds to Ovechkin’s longstanding reputation for consistency and longevity in professional hockey.
Next on the schedule, the Capitals are set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning, while the Montreal Canadiens will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in their upcoming match.