Screen cap: NBC Sports Washington

On a night in which captain Alex Ovechkin took sole possession of third all-time in Goals Scored in NHL history, Washington Capitals’ rookie forward Axel Jonsson-Fjallby scored his first NHL goal against the New York Islanders.

With the Capitals tied with the Isles 1-1, a neat move in the neutral zone by Dmitry Orlov found the two teammates in a 2-on-1, with a slick pass by Orlov giving Jonsson-Fjallby his first NHL tally, becoming the 11th Washington rookie to record points this season.

Oh my lanta Dima and Axel 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LSkJKsQr3t

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 16, 2022

That number ranks tied for third-most in franchise history, behind only the team’s inaugural 1974-75 season and the 1981-82 season.

This season, the Capitals have had 11 different rookies with points, which ranks tied for third in franchise history (1974-75: 14; 1981-82: 12; 1975-76: 11).

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) March 16, 2022

In addition, Jonsson-Fjallby, who was selected by the Caps in the fifth-round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, waived and then reclaimed prior to this season, becomes the ninth rookie to score his first NHL goal this season.

quick pie break for axe’s FIRST career goal 🥧💥 pic.twitter.com/wETB08riBN

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 16, 2022

”It felt good. I feel like it took me long enough, but it was a great feeling, for sure,” said Jonsson-Fjallby after the game.

”For me, being claimed by Buffalo gave me confidence. Then I knew people saw me as maybe I can play in NHL. Coming back, it was fine for me. I still had the confidence. I felt great playing in Hershey, and then getting called up was also great for my confidence. I felt like this time getting called up and playing my 10th game was kind of a relief. It makes me more comfortable and I can play my game.”

Jonsson-Fjallby has recorded one goal and two assists in 14 games played this season, stepping into the lineup in the wake of Carl Hagelin’s injury.

By Michael Fleetwood