Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images

On Saturday the Washington Capitals beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 6-3 in dramatic, come-from-behind fashion. In addition to a critical victory in the Metropolitan Division playoff race, the game saw a number of Capitals milestones achieved.

Captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 44^th goal of the season, tying Gordie Howe for the second-most goals in a season in NHL history by a player aged 36 or older. Ovechkin just trails Teemu Selanne, who had 48 goals in 2006-07 when he was aged 36.

Alex Ovechkin ties the game 3-3 with a power play goal, his 44th goal of the season. That ties Gordie Howe for the second-most goals in NHL history by a player aged 36 or older in a season. He now just trails Teemu Selanne (48g in 2006-07, aged 36).

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 9, 2022

By scoring on Tristan Jarry, Ovechkin scored on his 158^th different goaltender, passing Ron Francis for the fourth-most goaltenders scored on in NHL history. Ovechkin now just trails Jaromir Jagr (178), Patrick Marleau (177) and Mark Messier (164) on the all-time list.

Ovechkin’s goal was also his 15th power play goal of the season which marked the twelfth time in his 17 NHL seasons that he’s scored that many power play goals in a season. No other NHL player has exceeded that total for more than eight seasons.

Ovechkin’s goal was his 15th PPG of the season. It’s the 12th time in his 17 NHL seasons that he’s scored at least that many PPG.

No other player in NHL history has more than 8 seasons with at least 15 PPG.#NHLStats

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 9, 2022

Ovechkin was not the only player to achieve a career milestone. By recording two assists against the Penguins, defenseman John Carlson now has 61 points so far this season. This is Carlson’s third season with 60 or more points, which ties him with Scott Stevens for most seasons exceeding 60 points in franchise history.

In addition, goaltender Ilya Samsonov won the 50th game in his NHL career, making him the 10th goalie in franchise history to win at least 50 games. Just ahead of him in franchise wins for goalies is Michal Neuvirth in ninth place with 59 wins.

Ilya Samsonov stopped 29 of the 32 shots he faced, earning his 50th career win. He becomes the 10th goaltender in franchise history to reach the milestone.

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 9, 2022

Finally, defenseman Dmitry Orlov scored his eleventh goal of the season, setting a personal career high in goals for a season. His previous career high was 10 goals which he scored during the 2017-18 season.

Dmitry Orlov gives the Caps a 2-1 lead with his 11th goal of the season, setting a new personal career high in goals in a season. Orlov has additionally reached the 30-point mark for the third time in his career and first time since 2017-18.

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 9, 2022

The Capitals are right back to work Sunday afternoon when they host the Boston a Bruins at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for 1:00PM.

By Diane Doyle

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Capitals Earn Huge 6-3 Win In Pittsburgh; Orlov Sets Career-High With 11th Goal Of Season
Alex Ovechkin Scores On Tristan Jarry, The 158th Different Goaltender In His NHL Career, Now 4th On All-Time List