Live updates: Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Seeking New Milestone vs. Stars at American Airlines Arena

Now that Alex Ovechkin is done with the 1,500 games milestone, the question becomes: Can he hit a major milestone in consecutive games? I’m hoping yes.

Tonight, Ovechkin will have another chance to reach 900 goals with a single tally against the Dallas Stars. The Capitals captain, who is sitting at 899 goals, has two tallies in his first nine games, both via one-timers off faceoff wins in the offensive zone.

Against the Stars, the Capitals will be without both Dylan Strome and Rasmus Sandin due to injury. The Capitals will turn to a first line featuring Ovechkin with Connor McMichael and Ryan Leonard, as well as a towering second line of Aliaksei Protas, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Tom Wilson. That should be fun. Tonight, Logan Thompson will also play in his 50th career game for the Capitals. He already holds the record for the most wins in a Capitals goaltender’s first 50 appearances with the team.

Please note — tonight’s a national boi as part of the Frozen Frenzy. Puck drop for Caps-Stars is at 8:50 pm on ESPN.

Ovechkin Battling a Slow Start to the Season

Through nine games, Ovechkin has struggled to ramp up the scoring at the same level as in previous campaigns, tallying just two goals and five assists. That production has been ramping up in recent days, however. In the Capitals’ 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 21, Ovechkin notched the primary assist on Washington’s third goal of the evening. Three days later on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ovechkin lit the lamp for the first time in a week—his 899th career goal. He also assisted on a Connor McMichael goal late in the third period.

Despite his age, Ovechkin has shown an ability to score at a rapid pace at a moment’s notice. Should the Stars be caught on their heels, there’s no telling how many chances he’ll have to make his mark on the game. And given that the Stars have one of the worst penalty kills in the league at just 65.2 percent, Washington might be able to feast on the power play. That’s all the more opportunity for Ovechkin to break through.

Capitals Need Ovechkin in Order to Win at a High Level

Washington finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference in large part due to Ovechkin’s contributions from the left wing. While players like Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome have carried the load through the early going this season, Ovechkin’s ability to simply score will be an important factor in whether the team can achieve its goals. If history is to be believed, then Ovechkin, 40, will deliver.

Could Have His Moment on a National Stage

Ovechkin broke Gretzky’s record in front of a national audience on TNT last spring and will have the opportunity to hit another momentous milestone on a grand stage tonight as well. The Capitals and Stars will square off at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN as part of the NHL’s Frozen Frenzy, a day when all 32 teams are in action.

What better way to get to 900 goals than on a night when the league is putting its face in front of as many fans as possible? Should Ovechkin find the back of the net, beating the Stars’ defense and goalie Jake Oettinger in the process, he’ll not only continue to immortalize himself in hockey lore but also have all the eyes of the hockey world upon him.

1st Period

Puck is dropped. Protas-Dubois-Wilson and Fehervary-Carlson get the start.

The game is on a split screen because the Penguins-Flyers game will just not end.

The first 9:10 of the Capitals-Stars game was on a split screen or just not shown during the ending of the Penguins-Flyers game.

Colin Blackwell writhing on the bench after taking a hit by Tom Wilson along the corner boards with 10:41 remaining.

Sam Steel trips Jakob Chychrun at the ice at 9:52. Capitals go to their first power play of the night.

Ovechkin whiffs bad on his first shot attempt.

Tom Wilson to the box for interference at 13:55. He kinda just existed and knocked Miro Heiskanen over as he skated in front of the net for a screen. Stars to their first power play.

Both teams now 0 for 1 on the power play.

Aliaksei Protas to the box for hooking at 16:41. Spencer Carbery is not happy at the bench.

Broncos Call on $64M Pro Bowl Veteran “Big Dog” as Tight End Depth Wanes

The Denver Broncos are in the market for offensive help. They have been linked to a potential deal for a wide receiver. But the Broncos have shown their hand when it comes to the tight end position, including in former Jacksonville Jaguars star Marcedes Lewis.

Lewis was the No. 28 overall pick of the 2006 draft.

After 12 seasons in Duval, Lewis signed with the Green Bay Packers. He spent five seasons with the Packers from 2018 through 2022.

Broncos Bring ‘Big Dog’ Marcedes Lewis in for Workout

Lewis spent two seasons with the Bears, but he has not been with any organization this season, which could be informative for the Broncos. Still, he is one of the most respected players in the NFL, both by players and coaches who have been around him.

“The #Broncos worked out 41-year-old free agent TE Marcedes Lewis today,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on October 28.

Lewis has 437 receptions for 5,115 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career.

“They won’t find a better person (and) a better presence in the locker room,” a source close to Lewis said, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. “He still has game and can block as good as anyone.”

The Broncos missed out on two other options in Ben Sims and Brenden Bates, who joined the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns, respectively, due to their higher waiver claims.

However, Lewis’ best ability is arguably his durability.

“He’s been remarkably durable as he’s aged,” Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason posted on X amid the news of the Broncos’ interest in Lewis. “He’s missed just one game over the previous eight seasons.”

Lewis has earned $64.5 million in his career, per Over The Cap, but his last contract was worth $2 million over one year.

Broncos Cause Stir With TE Interest

The Broncos’ misses fueled speculation amid a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini noting the team was “monitoring” the market for tight ends before the 2025 trade deadline.

It is unclear if the Broncos would have plans beyond Lewis, but his reputation precedes him.

“The Broncos are actively searching for another tight end,” Tomasson posted on X on October 28. “Marcedes Lewis, who tried out today, is 41 and obviously a consummate veteran. The 19-year veteran last played last season with Chicago.”

Lewis also shares a common background with Broncos general manager George Paton as a former UCLA Bruin.

9News’ Mike Klis noted on X on October 28 that Lewis has “settled into a blocking role.”

Klis also called Lewis a “physical freak,” adding that he “is still a quality run blocker. And regarded as great locker room presence.” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans noted Lewis is a “big name” and that the Broncos are “clearly looking for blocking-TE help.”

Fittingly, Lewis’ nickname is “Big Dog,” which speaks both to his physical stature and the respect he has earned throughout his career, which includes a Pro Bowl in 2010.

Broncos Offer Glimmer of Hope About Veteran TE

Part of the reason the Broncos are exploring options like Lewis is that they are banged up at the tight end position and have already felt the brunt of being short-handed there.

Evan Engram missed one game with a back injury and was hindered by a calf issue in another one. The Broncos are currently navigating an issue with Nate Adkins, who doubles as a fullback, but is dealing with a knee injury.

He is not the only one whom the Broncos are still missing despite rostering two prospects.

“#Broncos have concerns at TE,” Tomasson posted on X before reports of Denver’s interest in Lewis surfaced. “Nate Adkins suffered knee injury vs Cowboys. And as we reported yesterday Lucas Krull had foot surgery & out about 8 more weeks. Broncos seeking 3rd TE after Evan Engram & Adam Trautman since Caleb Lohner and Patrick Murtagh are raw.”

In a potentially encouraging development, the Broncos did not place Adkins on injured reserve. That could indicate they expect him to miss fewer than four games.

That could explain why the Broncos made an early effort to make contact with Lewis.

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