Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin scored three times against the Chicago Blackhawks, pushing his career goal total to 800.
Ovechkin scored on his first two shots, beating Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek 24 seconds into the game before stuffing one home on a power play with 11:46 left in the first period.
His first goal also moved him past Jaromir Jagr for the most game-opening goals in NHL history.
The 37-year-old winger then completed his 29th career hat trick when he sent a rebound over a sprawled Mrazek 6:34 into the third.
“Soon as it happened, kind of relief,” Ovechkin said after Washington’s 7-3 win. “Kind of happiness and enjoyment.
The rest of the Capitals poured onto the ice to celebrate after the historic goal, and the fans at the United Center responded by throwing their hats down and chanting “Ovi! Ovi!”
Ovechkin moved within one goal of Gordie Howe for second all-time. Wayne Gretzky has the record with 894 goals.
“It’s a big number,” Ovechkin said. “It’s the best company (you can) ever imagine since you started playing hockey.”
Ovechkin also praised the crowd for its response.
“Even in the warmup, I was feeling that energy right away,” he said. “The fans watch me and the fans want to see that historical moment.”
