WASHINGTON (AP) — For Alex Ovechkin, scoring the 890th goal of his career wasn't such a sweet moment; in fact, moving five goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record didn't matter much to the 39-year-old after an 8-5 loss at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres.
“Right now, we lost three in a row," Ovechkin said. “It’s a good thing it happens right now and not in the playoffs, but we just have to bounce back and find a way to win the games.”
Ovechkin scored at 9:11 of the third period, deflecting Rasmus Sandin's shot past James Reimer to pull Washington within two.
Though the Capitals were able to pull within one and seemed to kick their game into higher gear after his goal, the 39-year-old said it was Aliaksei Protas' shorthanded tally at the start of the period that sparked the rally.
“When you score on the PK, it give you more (life) and you can see our bench getting after the game," Ovechkin said. “We tried to come back, but unfortunately, we can't.”
He is now back on pace to pass Gretzky’s mark of 894 that long seemed unapproachable this spring. He has 37 this season and is on track to reach 40 for a 14th time, also the most in league history, despite missing 16 games because of a broken left fibula.
“Again, it's insane number,” Protas said. “I don't think I'd ever get that, even in NHL 25 (the video game) ... he's chasing something special.”
Before capping off a three-point night in the third period, Ovechkin had found his ice time limited amid numerous defensive zone starts, penalty kills and an unsatisfactory effort from the top-six. He skated just 7:43 minutes through the first two periods, the lowest on the team, and finished the night with 16:22 minutes while moving to Pierre-Luc Dubois' line.
“We were fighting to stay in that game, I didn't like any of our top-six again tonight," coach Spencer Carbery said, adding, "It just hasn't looked great. Their underlying numbers haven't been great the last two games from our top-six."
Ovechkin will continue his pursuit of Gretzky on Tuesday when the Capitals head north to visit the Boston Bruins.
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal next to Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after his goal with his son Sergei during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) shoots during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The season over, Stephen Curry stopped before making his way out of Chase Center for a handshake and long embrace with Draymond Green.
These two longtime teammates are committed to making another championship run together, and now with Jimmy Butler by their side, knowing there might not be too many opportunities left.
Curry expressed sadness at how Golden State's season ended, with him on the bench unable to help because of a hamstring injury.
The Warriors were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 121-110 Game 5 loss Wednesday night in the Western Conference semifinals — Golden State's fourth straight game without Curry because of a strained left hamstring since he was hurt in the second quarter of Game 1 last week.
At 37 and with 16 NBA seasons to his name, Curry realizes NBA titles and postseason berths are no longer guaranteed and that there could only be a handful of chances remaining for him, Butler, Green and with Steve Kerr as coach.
“All we wanted was a chance, and to finish the year like we did, to sneak in the playoffs and win that first round, there’s a lot to be proud of for sure, considering where we were,” Curry said. “But definitely disappointed, and frankly just sad that I wasn’t out there able to play. We have hopefully a bright future in terms of coming back next year and trying again.”
Where the Warriors were only three months ago was searching for answers — until general manager Mike Dunleavy pulled off acquiring Butler at the trade deadline from Miami in a move that sent Andrew Wiggins to the Heat.
Butler led the way on both ends of the floor, even more so during Curry's recent absence.
“I’m completely content with who I am as a basketball player, the way that I play the game,” he said. “And to come here and know that I’m second to Steph, I think that’s a really good thing, actually, when you talk about one of the greatest players ever to play this game.”
Golden State wound up 29-15 since Butler's first game Feb. 8 at Chicago, 23-8 in the regular season, a play-in win against Memphis and 5-7 through two playoff series.
Butler blended into the system beautifully, and he's not convinced this core group has a two-year window to win it all.
“Yeah, and then if we win some, it could be longer than that because I still think that we have a lot of great basketball left ahead of us,” he said. “I don’t think this age thing is anything the way that everybody is taking care of their bodies, doing right. I think the potential is there.”
Everybody is eager to have a training camp together, even with changes expected during the summer and free agency period. Forward Jonathan Kuminga's future is one of the biggest pressing questions of the offseason as he is expected to become a restricted free agent in July.
“I haven't thought about anything yet,” said Kuminga, the team's seventh overall draft pick in 2021.
For now, Curry plans to take a basketball break and focus on family. He averaged 24.5 points, 6.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds playing 32-plus minutes per game.
If people are calling him the old guy these days, he's fine with that.
“One, it’s an ultimate compliment because it’s part of the level that you’re playing at. Like, 'Oh, he’s still doing it at this age,’” Curry said. "Two, it’s a reminder of your basketball mortality and appreciating every moment that you have. That’s why the way this ended was emotional as it was, not being able to play in those big games because you don’t know how many more opportunities you will have.
“But I think the difference on and off the court, like seeing my family and seeing my kids grow and opportunities off the court, it allows me to just have fun and appreciate this chapter of my life as much as possible, knowing that hopefully the next chapter is as great, but this one I’m trying to get every bit of fun and experience and squeeze as much juice out of this as possible.”
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on near the bench during the second half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, right, and Buddy Hield react to a missed shot in the second half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry speaks during a news conference at the NBA basketball team's facility in San Francisco, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry speaks during a news conference at the NBA basketball team's facility in San Francisco, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry listens during a news conference at the NBA basketball team's facility in San Francisco, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
