Washington Capitals’ captain Alexander Ovechkin scored twice in the first period tonight in Anaheim to reclaim the NHL’s goal-scoring lead.
Ovechkin’s first of the night, and 35th of the season, tied the game 1-1.
Then with the Caps trailing 2-1, Ovechkin netted his 36th of the season, on a power play midway through the first period.
With the two goals Ovechkin passes New York Rangers’ forward Rick Nash, who entered tonight’s action as the goal-scoring leader with 35.
Ovechkin does not have a hat trick this season. His last three-goal night came on Dec. 10, 2013 when he scored four against the Tampa Bay Lightning.