2 down, 1 to go! @ovi8 #CapsDevils #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/BsrSaAwYwS
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 8, 2018
Alex Ovechkin is on par to clinch a record seventh Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for leading the NHL in goals for a season. After depositing his 48th goal in the first period, he took advantage of a Boston Bruins turnover to snipe a slapshot through in the third period for No. 49.
The goal broke a 3-3 tie, giving the Washington Capitals a 4-3 lead over the New Jersey Devils in their eventual 5-3 win.
Ovechkin has now scored at least 49 goals nine of his 13 seasons. It was certain he was on the quest to score 50 goals for the ninth time and with less than 14 minutes in the regular season, the sold out crowd at the Capitol One Arena wanted to see their star reach the milestone, as they chanted “We Want 50!”
Unfortunately, he fell short as he just missed on No. 50 on a breakaway, leaving his season total at 49. However, he expanded his lead over second-place Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets by five goals as teams play their last game of the regular season.
