Ovechkin Sets NHL Goal Record, But Islanders, Canadiens Take Center Stage
Alexander Ovechkin made NHL history on Sunday, passing Wayne Gretzky with career goal No. 895, but it was the New York Islanders who came away with the win — and two crucial points — in a 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals in Elmont, N.Y.
While Ovechkin’s legacy moment drew headlines, several other teams made postseason statements. Here’s a complete wrap-up from a loaded Sunday across the NHL.
Islanders 4, Capitals 1: Ovechkin Breaks Record, but Isles Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
Despite Ovechkin’s milestone, it was the Islanders who kept their playoff dreams flickering. Marc Gatcomb scored twice, and Bo Horvat and Jean-Gabriel Pageau added tallies to give New York its second straight win.
Ilya Sorokin made 28 saves, allowing only Ovechkin’s record-setter on a second-period power play. New York now trails Montreal by five points for the final Eastern wild-card spot.
Wild 3, Stars 2 (OT): Rossi Ends It Early
Marco Rossi delivered in overtime, scoring just 58 seconds into the extra frame on the power play to lift the Wild past the Stars.
Matthew Boldy had three points, and Filip Gustavsson made 23 stops to help Minnesota snap a four-game losing streak.
Dallas lost for the second time in a row after a seven-game win streak, despite 38 saves from Jake Oettinger.
Red Wings 2, Panthers 1: Talbot Stands Tall
Cam Talbot stopped 32 shots as the Red Wings earned a big win over slumping Florida, handing the Panthers their fifth straight loss.
Alex DeBrincat and J.T. Compher scored, and Detroit stayed six points back of Montreal in the wild-card chase. They’ll meet the Panthers again Thursday in Florida.
Senators 4, Blue Jackets 0: Ullmark Posts Shutout
Linus Ullmark earned his fourth shutout of the season and 12th career clean sheet as the Senators beat Columbus.
Nikolas Matinpalo scored his first NHL goal, while Ottawa collected its league-leading 10th shutout this year. Columbus pulled Daniil Tarasov early after two quick goals.
Blackhawks 3, Penguins 1: Chicago Ends Skid, Ends Pittsburgh’s Playoff Hopes
Ilya Mikheyev netted two goals, Frank Nazar added another, and Spencer Knight made 28 saves as Chicago snapped a five-game skid and officially eliminated Pittsburgh from playoff contention.
Rickard Rakell scored the Penguins’ lone goal, but their deficit to Montreal is now 11 points with just four games left.
Sabres 6, Bruins 3: Thompson Hat Trick Fuels Comeback
Tage Thompson notched his eighth career hat trick as the Sabres rallied from a 2-0 deficit to crush the Bruins.
Rasmus Dahlin tied it late in the second before Jason Zucker and Thompson finished the job. Buffalo won its fourth straight, while Boston’s early surge evaporated.
Canadiens 2, Predators 1: Montreal Keeps Control
Montreal continues to control its wild-card destiny with a fifth straight win, outlasting the Predators, who are now winless in six.
Cole Caufield and Patrik Laine tallied in the second, and the Canadiens now sit six points up on both the Rangers and Red Wings for the final Eastern spot.
NHL Highlights: Standings Shift & History Made
| Team | Result | Playoff Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Islanders | Win vs. WSH | 5 pts behind MTL for WC2 |
| Canadiens | Win at NSH | 6 pts clear in WC2 |
| Red Wings | Win vs. FLA | Stay within reach |
| Penguins | Loss at CHI | Officially eliminated |
| Panthers | Loss at DET | Fifth straight loss, seeding at risk |
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