Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of making history as he ties Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record at 894. In a thrilling matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, Ovechkin scored twice in the third period before being faced with the opportunity for an empty-net goal. However, he chose to remain on the bench, expressing the desire to break the record in a more prestigious fashion, rather than with an easy goal.

Ovechkin's selfless decision allowed rookie Ryan Leonard to score his first career goal. Despite Ovechkin’s absence for that moment, he returned to the ice and made several attempts to secure his hat trick but was thwarted by Spencer Knight, the Blackhawks' goalie. The Capitals ultimately won 5-3, leaving Ovechkin with six games remaining to break the record, a milestone that carries great significance for him.

In a thrilling matchup at Capital One Arena, the Washington Capitals triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3, with Alex Ovechkin leading the charge by scoring twice, tying Wayne Gretzky with 894 career goals. This win boosts the Capitals to a remarkable 49-18-9 record, solidifying their playoff position.

Ovechkin's first goal came early, adding to his impressive tally of 40 goals this season, marking his 14th 40-goal season. The Capitals had a rocky start, falling behind after an early goal from Frank Nazar. However, they remained resilient, with goals from Dylan Strome and Martin Fehervary, ultimately reclaiming the lead through Ovechkin's second power-play goal in the final period. Ryan Leonard sealed the victory with an empty-netter.

The Washington Capitals continue to bolster their future with a promising class of collegiate prospects, featuring eight players for the 2024-25 season. Among them is Ryan Chesley, who had a season marred by a major penalty and game misconduct but still earned All Honorable Mention accolades in the Big Ten. He tallied one assist in five March games, finishing with a career-high 20 points.

On the goaltending front, Chase Clark showed resilience despite a tough postseason, recording a .913 save percentage across three games, while David Gucciardi helped lead Michigan State to another Big Ten title, contributing one assist in four March games. Boston University’s Cole Hutson made headlines with a strong performance, ending the month as Hockey East Rookie of the Year, while Brent Johnson and Nick Kempf faced challenging ends to their seasons.

Washington Capitals rookie Ryan Leonard, who made his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins, is experiencing the thrill of playing alongside Alex Ovechkin as the captain closes in on Wayne Gretzky's scoring record. Leonard's two games have showcased his determination, although he has yet to score his first goal. Despite the Capitals' loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored, leaving him only three goals shy of breaking the record. Leonard and Ovechkin have developed a friendship already, with Ovechkin guiding the rookie off the ice and both players sharing moments during practices.

Coach Spencer Carbery praised Leonard's resilience and impressive play for a rookie just out of college, noting his contributions to the team on the ice. Leonard continues to adapt to the speed of the NHL, acknowledging the challenges while focusing on improving his puck management. The Capitals are now looking forward to their next game against the Chicago Blackhawks, hoping for an Ovechkin hat trick that would secure his place in history.