Alex Ovechkin’s 899th goal drives Capitals to 5-1 victory over Blue Jackets

Alex Ovechkin continued his relentless march toward history on Friday night at Nationwide Arena, scoring his 899th career goal as the Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1. The Russian superstar now sits just one goal away from the monumental 900-goal milestone, a number that seemed unfathomable for generations of hockey players but appears inevitable for the greatest goal scorer the NHL has ever seen. The victory marked Washington’s sixth win in their last seven games, improving their record to 6-2-0 and solidifying their strong start to the 2025 season.

The Capitals’ dominant performance in Columbus showcased not only Ovechkin’s individual brilliance but also the team’s depth and resilience. After a sluggish offensive showing through two periods, Washington exploded for four goals in the third period to turn a tight 1-0 game into a comfortable victory. Logan Thompson was exceptional between the pipes, stopping 34 of 35 shots to earn his fifth consecutive win, while the Capitals’ power play capitalized when it mattered most in a game that demonstrated their championship aspirations.

Alex Ovechkin’s 899th career goal powers third-period surge

The Great Eight delivered his historic tally just 1:36 into the third period, breaking open what had been a defensive battle through 40 minutes of play. After Dylan Strome won an offensive-zone faceoff in the right circle, the puck found its way to Ovechkin in his trademark office—the left circle on the power play. However, this goal came at even strength, with Ovechkin firing a quick shot past Jet Greaves to give Washington a 2-0 advantage.

The goal was vintage Ovechkin: quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and an uncanny ability to find space in high-danger areas. It marked his continued assault on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals, a mark Ovechkin surpassed earlier in his career. Now chasing the mythical 900-goal milestone, the 40-year-old captain shows no signs of slowing down despite entering what would typically be considered the twilight years of a player’s career.

John Carlson and Connor McMichael each contributed a goal and an assist, demonstrating the offensive depth that has made Washington so dangerous this season. Carlson’s goal late in the second period opened the scoring, a slap shot from the point at 18:19 that deflected off Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski’s stick and past Greaves. The goal came on just Washington’s second shot of the period, highlighting their efficiency in converting limited opportunities.

Justin Sourdif extended the lead to 3-0 just 1:04 after Ovechkin’s milestone marker, finishing a beautiful breakaway opportunity created by Ryan Leonard’s lead pass. Sourdif went glove-side on Greaves for his first goal of the season, and the play also earned Logan Thompson his first assist of the campaign. The rapid-fire goals in the opening minutes of the third period effectively ended any hopes of a Blue Jackets comeback.

Tom Wilson and Connor McMichael added power-play goals late in the third during a five-minute major penalty assessed to Columbus forward Mathieu Olivier for elbowing Capitals defenseman Declan Chisholm at 12:35. Wilson’s tally at 15:39 made it 4-1, and McMichael scored just 58 seconds later to cap the scoring at 5-1. The extended power play opportunity allowed Washington to pad their lead and send a message about their special teams prowess.

Logan Thompson’s stellar performance anchors Capitals defense

While Ovechkin’s offensive heroics grabbed the headlines, Logan Thompson’s goaltending provided the foundation for Washington’s victory. The Capitals netminder faced 34 shots and turned aside all but one, maintaining his perfect record through five starts this season. Thompson’s performance was particularly impressive given the shot differential through two periods, as Columbus held a significant advantage in puck possession and offensive zone time.

Thompson’s most critical saves came in the second period when the Blue Jackets peppered him with 10 shots while the Capitals managed just two at the other end. His ability to keep the game scoreless through those challenging middle 20 minutes allowed Washington to enter the third period with momentum despite being outplayed for stretches. The veteran goaltender has quickly become a cornerstone of the Capitals’ early-season success, providing the stability between the pipes that championship contenders require.

The lone blemish on Thompson’s stat line came at 10:20 of the third period when Denton Mateychuk scored his second goal in as many games. The young Blue Jackets defenseman finished a nice passing play from Sean Monahan, who fed him from behind the net for a quick finish from the left side. The goal ended Thompson’s shutout bid but did little to dampen the Capitals’ dominance in the final frame.

Thompson also earned an assist on Sourdif’s third-period goal, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively when opportunities arise. The assist was recorded when Thompson’s clearing attempt initiated the odd-man rush that Leonard converted into a breakaway chance for Sourdif. It’s rare for goaltenders to factor into the scoring, making Thompson’s contribution even more noteworthy on a night when the Capitals’ offense fired on all cylinders.

Blue Jackets struggle to generate offense despite shot advantage

The Columbus Blue Jackets entered Friday’s contest riding a two-game winning streak but couldn’t solve the combination of Thompson’s stellar goaltending and Washington’s opportunistic offense. Despite outshooting the Capitals 35-30 for the game and dominating possession through the first two periods, Columbus couldn’t convert their chances when it mattered most. Jet Greaves made 25 saves in the losing effort but was victimized by several high-quality scoring chances that proved impossible to stop.

Columbus had the better of the play through 40 minutes, outshooting Washington 22-14 through two periods and generating numerous quality opportunities. However, they couldn’t beat Thompson when the game was still within reach, and Carlson’s late second-period goal gave Washington a lead they would never relinquish. The Blue Jackets’ inability to capitalize on their territorial advantage proved costly against a Capitals team that knows how to win tight games.

The Blue Jackets thought they had cut the deficit to 3-2 at 10:59 of the third period when Dmitri Voronkov appeared to score, but the goal was disallowed after officials ruled he had kicked the puck into the net. The disallowed goal was a crushing blow to Columbus’s comeback hopes, and the Capitals quickly took advantage with their power-play markers shortly thereafter. Such momentum swings often define games, and this was no exception.

Mateychuk’s goal provided a brief spark for the Blue Jackets, who fell to 3-4-0 on the season. The young defenseman has shown offensive promise in recent games, and his ability to contribute from the back end could prove valuable as Columbus continues to develop its roster. However, the team’s defensive breakdowns in the third period, particularly on the Sourdif breakaway and during the extended power play, revealed areas that require improvement if they hope to compete with the NHL’s elite teams.

Ovechkin chase for 900 goals dominates storylines heading into Saturday

With goal number 899 now in the books, the hockey world turns its attention to when—not if—Alex Ovechkin will reach the 900-goal plateau. The Capitals return home Saturday night to host the Ottawa Senators, providing Ovechkin with his next opportunity to make history in front of the Washington faithful. The anticipation surrounding each Ovechkin appearance has reached a fever pitch, as fans recognize they’re witnessing something that may never be replicated in professional hockey.

Ovechkin’s sustained excellence at age 40 defies conventional wisdom about aging athletes. Most players experience significant decline in their late 30s, yet the Capitals captain continues to produce at an elite level. His ability to maintain his trademark shot power and accuracy while adapting his game to compensate for diminished foot speed demonstrates why he’s considered one of the most talented players ever to lace up skates. The pursuit of 900 goals represents another chapter in a career defined by milestone achievements.

The emotional significance of reaching 900 goals extends beyond individual accomplishment. Ovechkin has spent his entire NHL career with Washington, becoming the face of hockey in the nation’s capital and delivering the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship in 2018. His loyalty to the organization and consistent excellence have created a bond with fans that transcends statistics. When he scores goal number 900, it will be a celebration not just of his achievement but of a two-decade partnership between player and city.

Washington’s strong start to the season positions them well for another playoff run, and Ovechkin’s continued production remains central to their success. The team’s depth scoring has emerged as a strength, with players like McMichael, Wilson, and Sourdif complementing the captain’s offensive output. If the Capitals can maintain this balanced attack while Thompson provides steady goaltending, they could emerge as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. Ovechkin’s chase for history provides additional motivation for a roster determined to win now while their legendary captain still performs at a high level.

The Capitals’ 5-1 victory over Columbus demonstrated the formula that could carry them deep into the postseason: elite goaltending from Thompson, opportunistic offense that capitalizes on quality chances rather than quantity, and timely contributions from throughout the lineup. Ovechkin’s 899th goal was the headline, but the comprehensive team performance surrounding it suggests Washington has the pieces in place for sustained success. As the hockey world waits for goal number 900, the Capitals are focused on building momentum for what they hope will be a championship season.