Despite missing 16 games with a fractured fibula, Alex Ovechkin has been on a torrid scoring pace and is now just 22 goals away from passing Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goalscoring title. Ovechkin scored his first-ever NHL hat trick against the Ducks in 2006 and has 12 goals in 25 career games against them.

The P Penguins (19-20-8) remain below .500 after leaving a smoldering crater where a five-game homestand was supposed to be.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (18-20-8) tanked their recent five-game homestand, winning only once. The resulting fallout was a drop in the standings behind six teams for a playoff spot, and general manager Kyle Dubas waived starting goalie Tristan Jarry.