Photo: @Capitals

Newly acquired forward Ilya Kovalchuk scored his first goal with the Washington Capitals during Thursday’s tilt against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

At the 12:01 mark of the second frame, Kovalchuk tied the game 2-2 with a beautiful one-timer from assists by center Lars Eller and forward Richard Panik.

🚨Kovy nets his first as a Cap! #CapsRangers pic.twitter.com/Qj1CZrGmxT

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 6, 2020

Because of his 10th goal of the season, he is now on pace to score 18 goals.

Kovalchuk now has 10 goals in 44 games this season, an 18-goal pace over an 82 game season.

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) March 6, 2020

In addition, Kovalchuk passed Alex Kovalev for the 4th most career even-strength goals in league history by a Russian-born player (289). Per Capitals’ senior writer Mike Vogel, all of the goals by the Capitals tonight have come at even-strength.

Lighting the lamp for the 1st time since the @Capitals acquired him, Ilya Kovalchuk has oassed Alex Kovalev for the 4th most career even strength goals in NHL history by a Russian-born player (289)

— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) March 6, 2020

Kovalchuk is also having a multi-point game tonight. Earlier in the first period, he had the secondary assist on forward Carl Hagelin’s opening goal that gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead.

The Capitals and Rangers are tied 3-3 after two periods.

By Della Young