Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring...

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights for a hat trick during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/John Locher

SALT LAKE CITY — Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin tied one NHL record in his pursuit of another.

Ovechkin scored twice on Utah goaltender Connor Ingram on Monday night, making Ingram the 178th different goaltender he has scored on in his 20-year NHL career. He is tied for the league record with Jaromir Jagr. His first goal came with 8:55 left in the first period. He struck again 5:38 into the second.

Karel Vejmelka replaced Ingram in the net for Utah immediately following Ovechkin’s second goal.

On Sunday night, he tied Patrick Marleau for the second most in NHL history by scoring on former Capitals goalie Ilya Samsonov.

With Monday’s goals, Ovechkin needs only 27 goals to surpass Wayne Gretzky for the NHL career-goals record. The 39-year-old Russian has tallied 15 goals through 18 games, moving him up to 868 career goals in his 20th season.

He’s scored five in the last two games alone.

Ovechkin’s two goals helped the Capitals stake out a 4-2 lead over Utah heading into the third period.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME