Capitals vs. Golden Knights Recap: Ovi Hat Trick Leads Caps to 5-2 Win

Capitals' Captain Scores Three Goals to Lift Team to Victory

The Washington Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 at Capital One Arena on Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to four games. Led by captain Alex Ovechkin's hat trick, the Capitals controlled the game from start to finish, outshooting Vegas 36-21 and winning the face-off battle 60-40.

The Capitals opened the scoring just 2:20 into the game when Ovechkin one-timed a pass from Evgeny Kuznetsov past Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner. Ovechkin then gave the Capitals a 2-0 lead midway through the period with a power-play goal, his 22nd of the season. Vegas cut the lead to 2-1 with a goal from Mark Stone, but the Capitals responded with a goal from Tom Wilson just 2:14 later to regain their two-goal advantage.

Ovechkin completed his hat trick late in the second period, giving the Capitals a 4-1 lead. The Golden Knights scored again in the third period on a power play goal from William Karlsson, but the Capitals held on for the 5-2 victory. Ilya Samsonov made 19 saves for the Capitals, while Lehner made 31 for the Golden Knights.

The Capitals' victory was their fourth straight and improved their record to 24-12-6. They are now in first place in the Metropolitan Division and are tied for the third-best record in the NHL. The Golden Knights fell to 22-14-3 with the loss and remain in third place in the Pacific Division.

Ovechkin Impresses in Milestone Game

Ovechkin's hat trick was his 28th career hat trick and his fifth of the season. It was also his 789th career goal, moving him into sole possession of third place on the NHL's all-time goals list. Only Wayne Gretzky (894) and Gordie Howe (801) have scored more goals in NHL history.

Ovechkin's performance was especially impressive considering he was playing in his 1,200th career NHL game. He is just the 12th player in NHL history to reach 1,200 games played.

Capitals Continue to Impress

The Capitals continue to be one of the hottest teams in the NHL. They have won 10 of their last 12 games and are now in first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals have been led by Ovechkin's scoring and the strong play of their defense, which has allowed just 2.33 goals per game this season.

The Capitals will look to continue their winning streak when they host the New York Rangers on Thursday night.