NHL: Alex Ovechkin joins Wayne Gretzky for 12th season containing 40 goals

WASHINGTON – Alex Ovechkin joined the 40-goal club this season, but his efforts weren’t enough as the Capitals lost 3-2 to the Dallas Stars.

Ovechkin is the fourth player on the Bettman circuit this season to reach the milestone. He thus joins Auston Matthews (46), Leon Drystel (41) and Chris Kreider (40).

He became the second player in National Hockey League history with 12 seasons of at least 40 goals and joined Wayne Gretzky, the only other player to achieve the feat.

The stars quickly took the lead early in the match. Just two minutes later, Alexander Radulov opened the scoring by scoring his first goal in nine matches.

Then, late in the period, Rob Hintz added to the stars with a shot into the back net with a backhand stroke.

Ovechkin closed the difference with his 770th goal in his career in the first minutes of the second half.

Collecting a assist in Ovechkin’s goal, Evgeny Kuznetsov extended his streak to nine matches with at least one point, a personal best.

Shortly afterwards in the middle of the engagement, Roope Hintz scored a second time to restore a two-goal lead to Dallas.

Hintz also hit 25 goals in a single season for the first time in his career.

Dmitry Orlov hit the goal in the middle of the third game, but the captain’s return attempt stopped there and the stars enjoyed the win.

Joe Pavelsky finished the match with two passes to the stars.

Jake Oettinger gave another inspiring performance with 36 saves on 38 shots. He signs his 21st win of the season.

The Capitals have won their last four games. Washington saw the eight-point streak ended. This is the first cap loss in the organization since February 28.