Alexander Ovechkin, a veteran forward for the Washington Capitals, spoke after the Capitals edged the Pittsburgh Penguins in a key regular-season clash. He called the victory a powerful opening chapter to 2024 and stressed the value of carrying forward the positives from that game.
“The best start to 2024. New year, new beginning. We will take all the good parts of this game for the future. We started off great, then maybe we relaxed a bit. But we played a solid game in the third period,” Ovechkin noted, underscoring how the team found momentum late and closed out with solid play in the final frame.
Through 35 appearances this season, Ovechkin has posted 8 goals and 14 assists, contributing as a primary offensive weapon for Washington. His sustained production illustrates the ongoing impact he has on the Capitals, even as he moves into the later stages of his career.
In total, the 38-year-old has tallied 830 NHL goals over his career and continues to sit atop the league’s all-time goals list. The current gap separating Ovechkin from Wayne Gretzky stands at 64 goals, a marker that highlights the extraordinary career he is pursuing while guiding Washington on a year-by-year basis.
Looking ahead, Washington is slated to visit the New Jersey Devils in the upcoming game. The puck is set to drop on January 4, with the game scheduled for 15:30 Moscow time, as teams prepare to square off on the ice.
Ovechkin has also addressed the Capitals’ recent underperformance, offering reflections on how the team can sustain consistency and translate early success into sustained results throughout the season. [Attribution: team press materials]
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