Ovechkin sets NHL mark with hat trick against 21st franchise, Capitals top Mammoth

Washington captain passes Brett Hull with 34th 3-goal game in NHL career

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:25am

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Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored a hat trick, including an empty-net goal, to lead his team to a 7-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth. Ovechkin's three goals gave him 34 career hat tricks, passing Brett Hull for the most in NHL history. Ivan Miroshnichenko scored twice and Anthony Beauvillier and Rasmus Sandin each had a goal and an assist for the Capitals, who have won three of their past five games. Dylan Guenther scored twice for the Mammoth, who went 1-3-0 on their four-game homestand.

Why it matters

Ovechkin's historic achievement cements his status as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. The Capitals' win also keeps them in the playoff hunt in the competitive Eastern Conference, while the Mammoth's recent struggles have them clinging to a postseason spot in the West.

The details

Ovechkin scored his three goals at 5:01 of the second period, 11:28 of the second period, and an empty-net goal at 19:54 of the third period. His first two goals tied the game at 3-3 after the Mammoth had taken a 3-1 lead. Miroshnichenko and Beauvillier also scored key goals for the Capitals, who rallied from an early deficit.

  • Ovechkin scored his first goal at 5:01 of the second period.
  • Ovechkin scored his second goal at 11:28 of the second period.
  • Ovechkin scored his third goal, an empty-net goal, at 19:54 of the third period.

The players

Alex Ovechkin

The captain of the Washington Capitals, who scored a hat trick in the game to pass Brett Hull for the most career hat tricks in NHL history with 34.

Ivan Miroshnichenko

A forward for the Washington Capitals who scored two goals in the game.

Anthony Beauvillier

A forward for the Washington Capitals who scored a power-play goal in the game.

Dylan Guenther

A forward for the Utah Mammoth who scored two goals in the game.

Clayton Keller

A forward for the Utah Mammoth who had three assists in the game.

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What’s next

The Capitals will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Mammoth will try to rebound and solidify their own postseason position.

The takeaway

Ovechkin's record-breaking performance underscores his enduring excellence and importance to the Capitals franchise. The team's ability to rally from an early deficit also showcases their resilience and determination as they fight for a playoff berth.