NHL: Capitals vs Kraken sees Alex Ovechkin edge closer to Wayne Gretzky's record in 3-0 win

The Washington Capitals delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday at Climate Pledge Arena, extending their winning streak to six games and their points streak to 12.

The Capitals (33-10-5) haven't suffered a regulation loss since 29 December, with a balanced performance on both ends of the ice standing out this time.

Captain Alex Ovechkin sealed the game with an empty-net goal late in the third period, bringing his career tally to 875 goals—just 20 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894.

Goaltender Charlie Lindgren, in his first start since recovering from an upper-body injury, stopped 22 shots to secure his first shutout of the season. His performance was part of what Coach Spencer Carbery called "one of the better games we've played in a long time."

The Capitals began the game with aggression, outshooting the Kraken 15-9 in the first period. Despite an early disallowed goal from Martin Fehervary due to an offside call, Washington’s offensive pressure paid off in the second period.

Aliaksei Protas opened the scoring with his 20th goal of the season, capitalising on a bouncing puck. Later in the period, Ethen Frank, who debuted in the NHL just two weeks ago, scored his third career goal by following up his own rebound.

Fehervary’s resilience was evident when he returned in the third period after being struck near the eye by a deflected shot in the second. His determination earned praise from teammates, with John Carlson calling him a "warrior."

The Kraken pushed back in the final period, but Washington’s defence, combined with Lindgren’s goaltending, maintained the shutout. Ovechkin’s late goal, greeted by chants of “Ovi! Ovi! Ovi!” from the crowd, punctuated the victory.

With their winning streak intact, the Capitals are proving they’re a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.