Ovechkin scores goal No. 878 in Capitals' 6-3 win over Panthers

Ovechkin, Eller, and Dowd shine as Washington breaks a two-game losing streak, defeating Florida with a dominant third-period performance.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with teammates after scoring an empty-net goal against the Florida Panthers in the third period at Capital One Arena on February 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C., USA. Photo by Geoff Burke/Reuters

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

On a Tuesday night at Capital One Arena, the Washington Capitals defeated the Florida Panthers 6-3, with a dominant third-period performance led by Alex Ovechkin. The victory not only snapped the Capitals' two-game losing streak but also showcased the team's depth and offensive power as they extended their home point streak to 14 games. Washington, now leading the Metropolitan Division, put on a clinic in the final period, with Lars Eller and Nic Dowd scoring early goals, while Ovechkin sealed the win with an empty-net tally to extend his career goal total to 878.

Ovechkin continues pursuit of Gretzky’s NHL record

For Alex Ovechkin, the night marked another milestone in his illustrious career. The three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner, who has been on fire lately, scored his 25th goal of the season and his third goal in as many games. His empty-net goal, which came with just one second remaining in the third period, gave the Capitals their final tally in a game that saw a strong performance from both sides. Ovechkin is now only 17 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing NHL record of 894 career goals, a record many once thought impossible to touch. With every passing game, the anticipation of Ovechkin breaking the record grows, and this win added another step toward that historic achievement.

The Capitals’ captain has been a vital part of the team’s success this season, not just in scoring but also in setting up key plays. His leadership on and off the ice has inspired the team through moments of adversity, including this game, which was crucial for Washington to snap its recent two-game skid.

Strong third period lifts the Capitals

The game was tied 2-2 heading into the final period after both teams exchanged goals in the second frame. However, the Capitals came out strong in the third, with Eller and Dowd scoring two quick goals to give Washington a lead that they would not relinquish. Eller’s goal came at 2:19 in the third period when he converted a partial breakaway. The goal gave the Capitals a 3-2 lead, and just over three minutes later, Dowd found the back of the net at 6:10 to increase the lead to 4-2. Dowd’s goal came off a sharp centering feed from Andrew Mangiapane, who continued to be a valuable playmaker for Washington.

Florida managed to respond quickly after Dowd’s goal, with Matthew Tkachuk scoring just 96 seconds later to make it a 4-3 game. Tkachuk’s shot from the right circle found its way past Logan Thompson, the Capitals' goaltender, who had been solid in the net for most of the game. Despite the Panthers’ efforts, however, the Capitals' defense remained firm, and Ovechkin and Aliaksei Protas sealed the win with two empty-net goals.

Washington's defensive dominance

Thompson’s performance in goal was one of the bright spots for Washington. The goaltender, who finished with 30 saves, played a key role in the Capitals’ victory by maintaining stability throughout the game. While the Panthers mounted a couple of strong offensive pushes, Thompson stood tall, especially during Florida’s power-play opportunities. The Capitals’ penalty kill also continued to shine, with Tom Wilson’s short-handed tally in the second period proving to be a game-changer.

Wilson, who has been a physical presence on the ice throughout his career, intercepted a pass in the defensive zone, breaking up a potential Florida scoring chance. He then received a return pass from Protas and capitalized on the opportunity to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead early in the second period. His ability to generate offense while shorthanded helped shift the momentum in Washington’s favor, giving the team the confidence it needed to control the rest of the game.

The Capitals' defense, led by veteran blueliners and solid play from their younger players, was instrumental in ensuring that Florida didn’t capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Although Florida’s offense—led by Bennett, Barkov, and Tkachuk—was able to find the back of the net, Washington’s defense, coupled with Thompson’s goaltending, allowed them to shut down the Panthers’ attack as the game wore on.

Florida’s offensive efforts and missed opportunities

While the Panthers fought hard throughout the game, their inability to capitalize on key opportunities ultimately cost them. Florida’s offensive players, including Sam Bennett, Aleksander Barkov, and Tkachuk, all found the back of the net, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the relentless attack from Washington.

Bennett scored his 17th goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1 in the first period after forcing a turnover and cleaning up his own rebound. Barkov, Florida’s captain, extended his point streak to four games with a goal that tied the game at 2-2 in the second period. However, Florida’s inability to match the Capitals’ offensive surge in the third period, combined with their inability to stop Washington’s power play and neutralize their star players, led to their eventual defeat.

Tkachuk’s late goal in the third period briefly gave the Panthers hope, but it was ultimately not enough to turn the tide. Florida’s inability to generate consistent offense or defend effectively allowed Washington to maintain control of the game as the Capitals made the most of their opportunities in the final minutes.

What’s next for Washington and Florida?

The Washington Capitals will look to continue their momentum as they head into the remainder of their home schedule, with Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record providing added excitement for the team and their fans. The Capitals, with a well-rounded performance from their top players, will look to maintain their place at the top of the Metropolitan Division. With strong contributions from Ovechkin, Dowd, Eller, and other key players, Washington will remain a force in the Eastern Conference.

For the Florida Panthers, this loss will serve as a reminder of the need for better consistency on both ends of the ice. Despite their strong offense and talented roster, the Panthers will need to regroup and refocus in order to bounce back and continue their pursuit of the top spot in the Atlantic Division. With the trade deadline approaching, the Panthers may look to strengthen their roster for a push in the second half of the season.