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Alex Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career NHL goal combining the regular season and playoffs, but the league-leading Colorado Avalanche beat the Washington Capitals 3-2 in overtime. Brock Nelson scored the game-winner for the Avalanche just 82 seconds into the extra period.

Why it matters

Ovechkin’s 1,000th goal is a significant milestone, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. However, the Avalanche’s victory over the Capitals keeps Colorado atop the league standings and solidifies their playoff position, while the loss is a setback for Washington’s postseason hopes.

The details

Ovechkin’s goal, his 26th of the season, came on the power play and tied the score with 5:43 left in regulation. Gabriel Landeskog and Nicolas Roy also scored for the Avalanche, while Justin Sourdif tallied for the Capitals. Colorado’s Mackenzie Blackwood made 20 saves to earn the win, while Logan Thompson stopped 21 shots in the loss for Washington.

Ovechkin scored his 1,000th goal with 5:43 left in regulation.Brock Nelson scored the game-winning goal for the Avalanche 82 seconds into overtime.

The players

Alex Ovechkin

A legendary Russian forward for the Washington Capitals who has scored the most goals in NHL history, combining regular season and playoffs.

Brock Nelson

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Mackenzie Blackwood

The goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche who made 20 saves to earn the victory.

Logan Thompson

The goaltender for the Washington Capitals who made 21 saves in the loss.

Ethen Frank

A forward for the Washington Capitals who suffered a lower-body injury in the first period and did not return to the game.

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What’s next

The Avalanche will continue their four-game road trip with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night, while the Capitals will kick off a three-game road swing at the St. Louis Blues on the same night.

The takeaway

Ovechkin’s 1,000th career goal is a remarkable achievement, but the Avalanche’s victory over the Capitals in overtime keeps Colorado atop the league standings and solidifies their playoff position, while the loss is a setback for Washington’s postseason hopes.