In April, Russian Alexander Ovetjkin took over the goal record in NHL history from legend Wayne Gretzky.
Washington star stood at a total of 897 goals before this year's Stanley Cup playoffs. There, Ovetjkin accounted for four goals when Washington knocked out Montreal in the eighth finals with 4–1 in matches.
In the quarterfinals against Carolina, it has gone heavier for the 39-year-old, but after three straight goalless matches, Ovetjkin found the net tonight. His goal in numerical superiority after just over 12 minutes of the third period meant a 2–3 reduction.
It was the Russian's 77th playoff goal in his career and with that, he surpassed legend Mario Lemieux in the number of full hits in the Stanley Cup. Ovetjkin is 12th on the list in the playoffs – topped by Gretzky at 122.
However, Washington never got closer than 2–3. Carolina answered with two straight goals and after the 5–2 win, the team took hold of a semifinal ticket via a 3–1 lead in matches in best of seven.
Also, Vegas with Swedes William Karlsson and Victor Olofsson are on their way to the summer break. It became a loss away to Edmonton with 0–3 and the team is now trailing 1–3 in matches.
Adam Henrique became a two-goal scorer in the first period, which was dominated by the home team with 15–5 shots on goal. Edmonton's goalkeeper Stuart Skinner kept a clean sheet and saved a total of 23 shots.
Winnipeg–Dallas: 1–2
Vegas–Edmonton: 1–3
Florida–Toronto: 2–2
Washington–Carolina: 1–3
The match series are decided in best of seven.
