There’s an excitement in the air tonight in Washington, DC and I’m not talking about the cherry blossoms.

Alex Ovechkin enters today’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks a hat trick away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record of 894. A hat trick is three goals, and for most professional hockey players, that’s a lot of goals to score in a single hockey game. But for the Ovechkin, this is something he’s done 32 previous times in his career before. And if you recall correctly, it’s something he accomplished against this against the same Blackhawks team in 2022 to reach the 800-goal milestone.

I have that excited feeling in my gut. Do you?

can’t explain it but tonight feels like the night

— Ian Oland (@ianoland) April 4, 2025

In terms of the actual game, Ovechkin and the rest of his Capitals teammates will face Spencer Knight in goal. Charlie Lindgren will get the start for the Caps. This will be Ryan Leonard’s Capital One Arena Debut.

Puck drop for Caps-Blackhawks is set for 7:00 pm on Monumental Sports Network and NHL Network. Joe B and Locker have the call. Lets. Go. Caps.

Lines

Washington Capitals

Chicago Blackhawks

Tunnel shenanigans

1st Period

Capitals hold beautiful ceremony for the ALL CAPS and 2018 Stanley Cup Team Era. Nicklas Backstrom, TJ Oshie, Braden Holtby, Brooks Orpik, and Devante Smith-Pelly.

Bob McDonald and Caleb Green sing the national anthem.

Puck is dropped.

🚨 1-0 Washington Capitals. WSH Goal: Alex Ovechkin (40). Assists: D. Strome (50), J. Carlson (43). Time: 03:52.

OVI SCORES! Alex Ovechkin scores career goal no. 893, beating Knight on a one-timer. One away from tying and two away from breaking.

Wayne Gretzky can be seen clapping in the owner’s box, sitting next to Gary Bettman and FBI director Kash Patel.

Comment below. Refresh for live updates during the game. The thread will be closed shortly after the game is completed.