RALEIGH, N.C. – Alex Ovechkin achieved his 892nd career goal, getting closer to Wayne Gretzky`s NHL record by just three goals. However, rookie Jackson Blake`s two goals contributed to the Carolina Hurricanes` 5-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night, securing their playoff berth.
Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, and Sean Walker also scored for the Hurricanes, marking their seventh consecutive playoff qualification, a franchise record.
Goalie Frederik Andersen made 20 saves out of 21 shots, securing his seventh straight win for Carolina.
Ovechkin scored against Andersen with a powerful one-timer during a 5-on-3 power play for Washington with only 34.5 seconds remaining in the second period, reducing Carolina`s lead to 4-1. Ovechkin has scored 17 goals in his last 25 games and a total of 39 this season.
