Capitals Secure Fifth Straight Win with Late Surge Against Ducks

Aliaksei Protas achieves first NHL hat trick as Washington triumphs 7-4, with Alex Ovechkin contributing three assists.

The Washington Capitals defeated the Anaheim Ducks 7-4, extending their winning streak to five games and remaining tied with the Winnipeg Jets in the Presidents’ Trophy race.
Aliaksei Protas recorded the first hat trick of his NHL career, including an empty-net goal in the final seconds to seal the victory.
Alex Ovechkin, nine goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record, provided three assists in the game.
Nic Dowd scored the game-winning goal at 13:25 of the third period, with Anthony Beauvillier adding an insurance goal shortly after.
Anaheim’s Frank Vatrano, Drew Helleson, and Pavel Mintyukov each tallied a goal and an assist, while Jacob Trouba ended a 94-game goal drought with his first goal as a Duck.