WASHINGTON, D.C. — NHL legends Marc-André Fleury and Alex Ovechkin shared a moment of mutual respect Thursday night, as the Minnesota Wild edged past the Washington Capitals 4-3 in a thrilling shootout. The game marked another chapter in their storied rivalry, with Ovechkin inching closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record while Fleury delivered a vintage performance, including a crucial shootout save against his longtime adversary.
Two decades of competition: Fleury and Ovechkin’s intertwined legacy.
For over 20 years, Marc-André Fleury and Alex Ovechkin have faced off in some of the NHL’s most memorable battles. Thursday night was no exception, as Ovechkin scored his 871st career goal—his 28th against Fleury during regular-season play—but the veteran goaltender had the last word, denying Ovechkin in the decisive shootout.
“I don’t like getting scored on by him, but I love the battle over the years,” said Fleury, reflecting on their rivalry after the game. “He’s one of the best, and it’s been fun to go up against him. It always brings the best out of you.”
Ovechkin, who is now just 23 goals shy of eclipsing Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894, echoed the sentiment. “It’s 20 years we play against each other,” he said. “It’s always fun. It’s always a challenge. He’s one of the best goalies out there.”
The two future Hall of Famers have faced each other 66 times in regular-season and playoff games, with their rivalry spanning some of the NHL’s most heated matchups. Fleury, who spent 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, played a central role in the storied rivalry between Pittsburgh and Washington, defeating Ovechkin’s Capitals en route to three Stanley Cup wins. Ovechkin got his revenge in 2018, when his Capitals defeated Fleury’s Vegas Golden Knights to claim their first-ever Stanley Cup. Their shared history includes countless iconic moments, and Thursday’s game was a fitting addition to their legacy.
Wild overcome adversity to secure victory.
Despite being without key players, including star forward Kirill Kaprizov and captain Jared Spurgeon, the Minnesota Wild continued to defy the odds. The team played one of its most consistent games of the season, relying on grit, discipline, and contributions from across the lineup to secure a hard-fought victory against the Eastern Conference-leading Capitals.
“We addressed with the team about playing winning hockey, regardless of the circumstances,” said Wild head coach John Hynes. “It was about our competitive nature, being disciplined with our system, and making sure we played a consistent game. The guys did a really good job of that tonight.”
The Wild opened the scoring with a deflection goal from Ryan Hartman, who ended a 20-game goal drought. Yakov Trenin added a spectacular short-handed goal late in the first period. Marco Rossi, playing in his breakout season, tied the game in the third period with his 15th goal of the season, showcasing his knack for clutch moments. “Marco’s been awesome,” said Fleury. “He’s been very consistent and finds ways to get big goals for us.”
In the shootout, Matt Boldy stepped up to score the lone goal, while Fleury stopped all three of Washington’s attempts, including Ovechkin’s final shot, to seal the win. The victory marked Fleury’s 66th shootout win, extending his NHL record.
Ovechkin’s pursuit of history continues.
Ovechkin’s goal Thursday night brought him one step closer to surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record. The 38-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, scoring three goals in four games since returning from a fractured fibula that sidelined him for 16 games. His tally against the Wild extended his career dominance over Fleury, as no other goaltender has been scored on more by Ovechkin during the regular season and playoffs combined (41 goals).
“He probably owes me a few things for scoring so many goals on me,” Fleury joked after the game. “I helped him out pretty good. I’m glad I got to face him. He’s one of the best and always brings the best out of you.”
Ovechkin, who has 871 career goals, remains just 23 goals shy of Gretzky’s legendary 894 mark. With his consistent scoring pace, many believe Ovechkin could achieve the feat by the end of this season, assuming he stays healthy. His power-play goal against Fleury on Thursday also highlighted his continued prowess on special teams, where he remains one of the most lethal scorers in NHL history.
Fleury’s final season adds emotional weight to historic rivalry.
Marc-André Fleury, 40, has already announced that this will likely be his final NHL season, adding extra significance to every game he plays. Thursday’s matchup marked perhaps his last appearance in Washington, where he has been a consistent adversary for the Capitals over his two-decade career. Fleury holds an impressive 28-14-3 record against Washington, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders to challenge the Capitals’ dominance.
“I feel fortunate I was able to play in this era,” Fleury said. “It’s been a privilege to compete against someone like Ovi for so long. We’ve had some great battles, and I’ll carry those memories with me.”
The respect between the two veterans was evident during the game, as they shared smiles and exchanged playful banter. “I told him, ‘I need one more,’” Ovechkin said with a laugh, recalling a moment late in the game. “He said, ‘You already got one.’”
Unless the Wild and Capitals face each other in the Stanley Cup Final, their next meeting on March 27 in Minnesota could mark the final chapter of their storied rivalry. For fans, it will be another can’t-miss opportunity to watch two of hockey’s all-time greats compete on the same ice.
Looking ahead for the Wild and Capitals.
Thursday’s victory improved the Wild to 24-11-4 on the season, keeping them in strong contention in the Central Division despite a rash of injuries. With four wins in their last five games, the team has shown resilience and depth, proving they are capable of maintaining their playoff aspirations even without some of their key players. As head coach John Hynes put it, “It’s about finding a way to win, regardless of the circumstances. That’s what good teams do, and we’re showing that we can rise to the challenge.”
The Capitals, meanwhile, remain at the top of the Metropolitan Division with a 25-10-3 record. Although the loss stung, Washington continues to perform as one of the NHL’s top teams, fueled by Ovechkin’s relentless quest for the scoring record. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery commented on the significance of Ovechkin’s goal and his rivalry with Fleury, saying, “The history between them is incredible. It’s a rare privilege to witness this kind of greatness on both ends of the rink.”
Both teams will now turn their attention to upcoming matchups. The Capitals will host the New York Rangers on Saturday, while the Wild travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes. For both franchises, the road ahead is critical as they jockey for playoff positioning, and for Ovechkin, the countdown to history continues.
As the curtain slowly begins to fall on Fleury’s illustrious career and as Ovechkin inches closer to cementing his place as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, Thursday night’s game served as a poignant reminder of how special rivalries can be in sports. Fleury and Ovechkin have given fans two decades of unforgettable moments, and the respect they share underscores the mutual admiration of two all-time greats whose legacies are forever intertwined.
