Watch: Capitals’ Ovechkin records 14th career hat trick

Ovi tallied the 14th hat trick of his career and first since Dec. 2013.

It’s been a season full of milestones for Alex Ovechkin.

In November he became the leading Russian goal-scorer in NHL history, and last month he tallied his 500th career goal.

In Thursday night’s 4–3 victory over the Minnesota Wild, Ovechkin scored three goals in the second period alone, earning his 14th hat trick of his career and first since December 10, 2013.

On his first two goals, Ovechkin managed to go unmarked in the Minnesota zone for quick goals. His third required a little more grunt work, continually whacking at the loose puck with four (four!) Wild players surrounding him.

Nicklas Backstrom assisted on all three goals.