Alex Ovechkin Scores a Hat-Trick, Moves into 3rd Place on NHL's All-Time Goals List

Capitals Captain Closes Gap on Wayne Gretzky's Record

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored a hat-trick against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night, moving into third place on the NHL's all-time goals list.

Ovechkin's first goal came on a power play in the first period, tying him with Jaromir Jagr for third place with 766 career goals.

He scored his second goal on a breakaway in the second period, giving him 767 goals and moving him past Jagr into sole possession of third place.

Ovechkin's Third Goal Brings Him Closer to Gretzky

Ovechkin completed his hat-trick with an empty-net goal in the final minute of the game, giving him 768 career goals.

He is now just 14 goals behind Gordie Howe for second place on the all-time list and 94 goals behind Wayne Gretzky for the all-time record.

At 37 years old, Ovechkin is showing no signs of slowing down and could break Gretzky's record within the next few seasons.

Capitals Win 5-2, Ovechkin Extends Point Streak

In addition to his three goals, Ovechkin also had an assist in the Capitals' 5-2 win over the Golden Knights.

The win extended Ovechkin's point streak to 11 games, during which he has scored 16 goals and 10 assists.

The Capitals are now 20-11-6 this season and sit in first place in the Metropolitan Division.