Coach Peter Laviolette says Alexander's Ovechkin’s chase to be the NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer is no distraction for the Washington Capitals.
The Capitals, 25/1 to win the Stanley Cup in 2021/22, had two goals from Captain Ovechkin to help beat the red-hot Calgary Flames 5-4 on Tuesday before they collected a point in an overtime defeat against Edmonton Oilers the night after.
Closing in on greatness
Ovechkin's second strike against the Flames was his 766th regular season goal and tied Jaromir Jagr for third most in NHL history.
The 36-year-old now trails Gordie Howe (801) and Wayne Gretzky (894) for the most in NHL history.
Ovechkin, who signed a new five-year contract with the Capitals in the off-season, has scored 36 goals in 57 games this season which ranks fourth in the NHL.
Over 17 seasons with Washington, Ovechkin has amassed 1,390 total points, including 624 assists in 1,254 regular season games
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Record chase no distraction
In the playoffs, the 'Great-8' has a further 71 goals, 64 assists for 135 points and was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner at the playoffs most valuable player when he led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup n 2017/18.
This Capitals are currently fourth in the Metropolitan Division with a 31-18-10 record.
Laviolette said to the media: "I think guys are just excited for him. I don't think it takes away from the game and what we're trying to do out there.
"He's moving up and he's going to catch it eventually, but it really doesn't cause much distraction in the room.
"The guys, everybody's really happy for him. He deserves it. He's earned it."
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