WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 02: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals stretches during warm-ups before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena on February 2, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo: Getty)
Alex Ovechkin is now one goal shy of reaching 700, scoring his first goal in five games on Thursday night in the Washington Capitals’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
His last goal came with a hat trick on Feb. 4 against the Los Angeles Kings. He now sits at 699 career goals.
As the slump continued, members of the Capitals’ organization spoke out, including GM Brian MacLellan.
“From observing, I would say I think everybody wants him to get it and are trying hard for him to get it… let’s just play our game and it’s going to happen organically,” MacLellan said. “It’s just going to take care of itself.”
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Ovechkin’s thoughts were clear as he sought to end the drought.
“I don’t think somebody thinks about it,” he said. “If it happens, it happens. It’s just a matter of time. Tomorrow, after tomorrow, whatever. We’re focusing right now to get our game better, to secure a playoff spot, and then we’ll move on.”
Only seven players have reached the 700 mark: Wayne Gretzkey, Gordie Howe, Jaromir Jagr, Brett Hull, Marcel Dionne, Phil Esposito, and Mike Gartner.
This weekend, Ovechkin will have two chances to reach the 700 club. They visit New Jersey on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET on MSG+ and host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. ET on NBC.
30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW
The Buffalo Bills experienced yet another heartbreaking loss during the divisional round. The Bills were…
After a heartbreaking playoff exit, the Buffalo Bills have fired their head coach, Sean McDermott.…
The Los Angeles Rams will advance to the conference championship and are one step closer…
A team once known for big-time spending makes its first addition of the offseason, and…
The Los Angeles Dodgers make another ginormous offseason splash, signing prized outfielder Kyle Tucker to…
Minnesota Vikings third-year wide receiver Jordan Addison was arrested in Tampa, Florida, early Monday morning…