Ovechkin scores his 888th career NHL goal as the Capitals beat the Flyers and clinch a playoff spot

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Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) scores during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates after his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Philadelphia Flyers center Rodrigo Abols (18) battles for the puck against Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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The goal counter reads 888 for the number of career goals by Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin after he scored during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Washington Capitals left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) celebrates after his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Cam York (8) battles for the puck against Washington Capitals defensemen Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) and Jakob Chychrun (6) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Washington Capitals right wing Brandon Duhaime (22) celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

By STEPHEN WHYNO

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored his 888th career goal to continue his pursuit of the NHL record, and the Washington Capitals clinched a playoff berth by beating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Thursday night and getting some help from around the league.

Ovechkin beat Samuel Ersson with 5:35 left in the first period to move eight goals back of passing Wayne Gretzky’s career mark of 894. Chants of “Ovi! Ovi!” filled the arena as the goal counter in one corner flipped from 887 to 888.

Brandon Duhaime and Andrew Mangiapane also scored and Charlie Lindgren made 26 saves for the Capitals, who became the first NHL team to wrap up a playoff spot this season when Montreal rallied from a two-goal third-period deficit to keep the New York Islanders from winning in regulation.

Washington has won eight of its last nine games to reach 100 points and pass Winnipeg atop the standings.

The Flyers have gone the other way, losing nine of 11 to plunge into last place in the Metropolitan Division. Ryan Poehling and Sean Couturier scored, and Ersson allowed three goals on 16 shots.

Takeaways

Flyers: Late in a lost season, word that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is considered week to week with an upper-body injury only matters if that somehow affects their chances of trading him this summer.

Capitals: With a comfortable cushion atop the Eastern Conference, getting Ovechkin the record over the next 13 games is a priority.

Key moment

The puck bounced off Aliaksei Protas in front, and he quickly passed the puck to Ovechkin for his 35th goal of the season.

Key stat

The Capitals became the first team since 16 teams qualified beginning in 1979-80 to clinch a playoff spot after being the last to do it the previous season.

Up next

The Flyers visit Dallas on Saturday, while the Capitals host defending champion Florida a few hours later.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl