Ovechkin Leads Dominant Capitals Into Clash Against Flames

Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are on fire, and they’re not looking to slow down anytime soon. With the league’s best record and an offense that’s been steamrolling opponents, the Caps will try to keep the momentum going when they host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.

Washington enters the game riding an eight-game point streak (5-0-3) and a 14-1-6 surge dating back to New Year’s Eve. At home, they’ve been nearly unstoppable, boasting an 11-0-5 record in their last 16 games.

The Flames, on the other hand, are kicking off a season-defining six-game road trip that could determine their playoff fate.

Ovechkin Inches Closer to Gretzky’s Record

Ovechkin is once again proving why he’s one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history. His hat trick against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday pushed his career total to 882 goals, putting him just 13 shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.

Tom Wilson summed up Ovechkin’s relentless pursuit of history:

“Whenever he gets a goal or two, I’ve never seen a guy so hungry. Some guys score and think, ‘OK, I had a good night.’ He comes back to the bench asking if he can go out again right away. It’s been an amazing journey watching him do what he can do.”

With 29 goals in 41 games this season, Ovechkin is on pace to break Gretzky’s legendary mark this year. But the Caps captain is staying focused on the present.

“Game by game,” Ovechkin said. “I had pretty good chances to score more (on Sunday), but I’ll take three.”

His 135th career game-winning goal also tied him with Jaromir Jagr for the most in NHL history—yet another milestone within reach.

Capitals’ Offense is Unstoppable

Washington’s scoring explosion has been a nightmare for opposing defenses. Over their last seven games, they’ve put up 37 goals—an average of 5.3 per game. Their 15-goal outburst over the weekend included:

• 7-3 rout of Edmonton (Ovechkin’s hat trick)
• 8-3 blowout win over Montreal

At home, the Capitals have the chance to tie their franchise’s longest home-ice point streak (16-0-1 from 2016-17). Given their current form, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they set a new record.

Bet Smarter on the NHL!

Start Winning Today!

Get Free Trial

Flames Face Crucial Road Test

While the Capitals are cruising, the Calgary Flames find themselves in a much different situation. They’re clinging to playoff hopes, sitting just one point behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western Conference wild-card spot—with a game in hand.

This six-game road trip could define their season, with tough matchups ahead against Florida, Carolina, Philadelphia, and Dallas.

Nazem Kadri knows the team will need to elevate its play.

“When you go into those buildings, you’ve got to play to your identity but you’ve got to up the ante a little bit,” Kadri said. “We’re playing some great teams, but what better way to face a challenge?”

Flames Escape With Win Against San Jose

Calgary’s first game after the break wasn’t exactly pretty, but they managed to grind out a 3-2 win over the last-place San Jose Sharks on Sunday.

Kadri extended his point streak to six games with a goal and an assist, while Joel Hanley scored his first career game-winner in his 221st NHL game.

“It felt unreal,” Hanley said. “Obviously, I don’t score a lot, so whenever I can contribute offensively, it feels really good. It was nice to get the win.”

But the Flames know they’ll need a much stronger effort against Washington than they showed against the struggling Sharks.

“We found a way, and that’s what it was all about. But I don’t think it was our best game at all,” Kadri admitted.

Ready to win more NHL bets? 🏒 Get expert insights and proven strategies in our NHL Betting Guide! 

Final Thoughts: Can the Flames Keep Up?

The Flames have plenty to play for, but slowing down Washington’s red-hot offense is no easy task.

Ovechkin is chasing history, and the Capitals are clicking in every aspect of their game. Meanwhile, Calgary must find another level to survive this brutal road stretch and keep their playoff hopes alive.

📅 Puck Drop: Tuesday Night – Don’t Miss It!