Getting Alex Ovechkin the NHL goals record was a major motivator for the Washington Capitals over the past month. The other aim was locking up the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the fast-approaching playoffs.

Alex Ovechkin's reputation as a wrecking ball gained another layer Thursday as he delivered four hits during the Washington Capitals' 5–4 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes. In doing so, he quietly moved into third place all-time in NHL hits,

ARLINGTON, VA – The Washington Capitals announced today several initiatives across the Washington, D.C., region in honor of Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin becoming the NHL’s All-Time goals leader.