New York Islanders 4-1 Washington Capitals
The New York Islanders topped the Washington Capitals 4-1 at home to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. However, the game will not be remembered for that.
The hosts got their opening goal from Bo Horvat seven minutes into the opening period. The lead was doubled through Marc Gatcomb, and things were looking good for the Islanders. Then came the moment.
Seven minutes and 26 seconds into the second period, the moment everyone was waiting for occurred. On a power play, Dylan Strome found Alex Ovechkin, who hit an inch-perfect shot past Ilya Sorokin to break Wayne Gretzky's record for the most goals in NHL history with 895. The 'Gr8' was mobbed by his teammates, and a ceremony was held to honour the moment.
When the game did get back underway, the Islanders came out and continued their impressive first-period play to get a third. Gatcomb scored his second of the game to retain the two-goal advantage. Jean Gabriel Pageau capped the scoring early on in the final period to give the Islanders a crucial victory.
Winners of back-to-back matches, New York are seven points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Capitals stay top of the conference, still nine points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Minnesota Wild 3-2 Dallas Stars (OT)
The Minnesota WIld had to show some serious determination in their 3-2 overtime victory over the Dallas Stars.
Jason Robertson got the game's opener just under six minutes in. It was not until 3:08 in the third period when the Wild responded through Matthew Boldy. About two minutes later, Marcus Foligno converted to put the hosts in front.
Dallas, who are trying to finish top of the Western Conference, got their equaliser with a little less than seven minutes to go as Thomas Harley got what could be a key goal for them. Overtime was required, but it would only take a minute for Marco Rossi to find the game-winner on a power play.
It was a huge win for Minnesota, who stretch their lead to six points over the Calgary Flames for the final playoff berth in the West. The Stars, who earned a point despite the loss, are three points off the Winnipeg Jets for top spot.
Follow all of the NHL action on Flashscore as the playoffs are near.