Alex Ovechkin made NHL history by scoring two goals in a single game, tying Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record. The crowd erupted in celebration as Ovechkin, reflecting on the moment with family and teammates, prepared to potentially score again. However, in a surprising move, he declined an empty-net opportunity that could have secured his historic hat trick. Ovechkin, who is keen on breaking the record with a goaltender present, emphasized the significance of earning such milestones meaningfully, even at personal cost to his stats.
Ovechkin, who holds the league record with 65 empty-net goals, knows how it feels to reach a milestone without a goalie in net: he scored an empty-netter back in 2022 for goal no. 802, passing Gordie Howe for second in all-time goals.
Carbery wanted to make sure Ovechkin was certain in his decision to sit the play out. Still, he stood by Ovechkin's decision, even if it cost him a chance at the record Friday night.
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