Alex Ovechkin scores 34th career hat trick against an NHL record 21st different team Alex Ovechkin led the Washington Capitals to a 7-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Thursday night, marking a historic night for the 40-year-old forward. In his second visit to Utah’s Delta Center, Ovechkin recorded his 34th career hat trick, scoring twice on former teammate Vitek Vanecek and once into an empty net. The goals marked his 924th, 925th, and 926th career goals, solidifying his place among the NHL’s all-time scoring leaders. Ovechkin now has two hat tricks in his age-40 season, following a performance against the Montreal Canadiens in November. At 40 years and 190 days, he is the sixth-oldest player to score a hat trick, surpassing his own previous record. He is also the third player in NHL history to achieve two hat tricks in a single season at age 40 or older, joining Johnny Bucyk (1975-76) and Gordie Howe (1968-69). With this milestone, Ovechkin surpassed Brett Hull for sole possession of fourth place in the league’s all-time hat trick list. The Mammoth became the 21st team Ovechkin has recorded a hat trick against, breaking the previous record held by Hull. Vanecek, the Mammoth’s goaltender, was the 189th different netminder Ovechkin has scored on, extending his own record. Prior to the game, Vanecek was the active goaltender with the most saves against Ovechkin without allowing a goal. Ovechkin’s goals came in key moments during the game. His first goal came in the second period, with the Capitals trailing 3-1. Martin Fehervary passed to Rasmus Sandin, who fed Ovechkin, allowing him to beat Vanecek for his 27th goal of the season. The second goal followed a sustained Capitals attack, with Dylan Strome passing to Ovechkin at the point. He fired a wrister into the top corner, past a screened Vanecek.#utah_mammoth #washington_capitals #alex_ovechkin #delta_center #vitek_vanecek
Philadelphia 76ers vs Utah Jazz: Game Preview and Key Players The Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz will face off Saturday night at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, marking the first time two top-5 draft picks from the 2025 NBA Draft—VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey—square off in a regular-season matchup. Edgecombe, the third overall selection, enters the game following a standout performance against the Sacramento Kings, where he scored a career-high 38 points and added 11 assists. Bailey, the fifth pick, has also been dominant, tallying 33 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in a recent win over the Milwaukee Bucks without Giannis. The 76ers, currently in a strong position to secure a play-in berth, are also vying for a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference. However, the team faces challenges with key players sidelined. Joel Embid is doubtful due to an oblique injury, and Tyrese Maxey is out with a finger injury. This creates an opportunity for Edgecombe and rookie Justin Edwards to build on their combined 70-point effort against the Kings. For the Jazz, the game lacks playoff implications after they were officially eliminated from postseason contention earlier this week. The focus for Utah has shifted to player development, with Ace Bailey leading the charge. Bailey has averaged nearly 24 points per game in his last three appearances, showcasing his growth as a key contributor. The Jazz are also tracking the progress of Cody Williams, whose scoring average has nearly doubled in his past 10 games, reflecting increased confidence in his shooting and driving ability. Other developmental prospects include Bez Mbeng, Blake Hinson, and Andersson Garcia, who are competing for roster spots in the 2026-27 season.#philadelphia_76ers #utah_jazz #delta_center #vj_edgecombe #ace_bailey
