<
>

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin ends drought with 699th career goal

Alex Ovechkin scored in the first period of the Washington Capitals' 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night, giving him 699 career goals.

The goal snapped a five-game streak without a point (tied for the longest of his career) for the Capitals star. He last scored Feb. 4, collecting a hat trick against the Los Angeles Kings.

Only seven players have scored 700: Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Jaromir Jagr, Brett Hull, Marcel Dionne, Phil Esposito and Mike Gartner.

In overtime, Ovechkin had a great chance to join them, but he was thwarted on a one-on-one opportunity early in the 3-on-3 skate, and Montreal's Ben Chiarot scored his second of the game seconds later to end it.

Ovechkin's goal was his 22nd against Carey Price, tied for the third most in his career against a single goalie. The only goaltenders he has scored more goals against in his career are Marc-Andre Fleury and Henrik Lundqvist (24 each).

The Russian winger was on the ice for more than 22 minutes and put six shots on net.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.