Wilson Talks Ovechkin’s Milestone Chase, ‘Contagious’ Energy For Capitals

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Against the Edmonton Oilers back on Wednesday, Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson was out of gas as he and linemates Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov got to the bench for a change. However, one goal away from a milestone strike for the third-most goals in league history, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was ready to go right back out.

“I get to bench and I’m like tired, I’m gassed. And he’s like, ‘Come on, come on, come on. Let’s go, let’s go again.’ And I’m like, ‘Holy smokes,'” Wilson said. “He draws you into the fight.”

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Despite grade-A chances over the last couple of games, the Great 8 is still chasing goal No. 767. That would not only move him past Jaromir Jagr for third on the NHL all-time goals list but also make him the highest European scoring player in NHL history.

Wilson said that Ovechkin’s energy is “contagious,” and that he is the type of player that pushes his teammates to push their game to the next level. Also, he leads by example.

“You kind of feel that, and I mean, there’s nothing better,” Wilson said. “It’s such a cool thing to be a part of. We’re excited for him.”

No. 43 said that he’s confident that Ovechkin will hit the mark sooner rather than later and that the team is ready to keep feeding off that energy

Washington is currently playing the New York Islanders. The Capitals trail 2-1 after the second period. Ovechkin is up to three shots on goal.