RALEIGH, N.C. — Alex Ovechkin achieved another milestone, scoring his 892nd career goal and getting closer to Wayne Gretzky`s all-time NHL record. However, it was rookie Jackson Blake who stole the spotlight, netting two goals as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 5-1 on Wednesday night, securing their place in the playoffs.
Joining Blake on the scoresheet for the Hurricanes were Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, and Sean Walker. This victory marks the seventh consecutive playoff appearance for the Hurricanes, tying a franchise record.
In goal, Frederik Andersen was solid, stopping 20 of 21 shots and earning his seventh straight win for Carolina.
Ovechkin`s goal came late in the second period on a 5-on-3 power play. He fired a powerful one-timer past Andersen with just 34.5 seconds remaining in the period, reducing Carolina`s lead to 4-1. This goal was Ovechkin`s 17th in his last 25 games and his 39th of the season.
