Sourdif Emulates Ovechkin: Rookie Hat-Trick in Capitals Victory

Justin Sourdif Shines with Hat Trick and Leads Capitals to Victory

In a night filled with emotions, Justin Sourdif became the star figure by recording his first hat trick in the NHL, in addition to adding two assists, leading the Washington Capitals to a resounding victory over the Anaheim Ducks with a score of 7-4. This achievement marks the first hat trick by a rookie for the Capitals since Alex Ovechkin achieved it on January 13, 2006, also against Anaheim.

“My teammates give me incredible support on the bench, and they always keep me motivated. We love each other very much and are very close. When you have fun, it’s very easy to play.”

Justin Sourdif

Ovechkin also contributed two goals in the victory, while Ryan Leonard scored a goal and an assist. John Carlson and Connor McMichael also joined the scoring party, with Carlson scoring a goal and McMichael providing four assists. Charlie Lindgren, for his part, made 41 saves to secure the victory for the Capitals, who managed to break a two-game losing streak.

“This was a crucial game for our team. We needed the two points, no matter how the game went. No matter how many injuries we have or who is out of the lineup, we had to find a way to win.”

Spencer Carbery, Capitals Coach

The Capitals faced the game without Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas, both considered day-to-day. On the Ducks’ side, Chris Kreider, Alex Killorn, Jacob Trouba, and Beckett Sennecke were the scorers, but they couldn’t prevent their team’s sixth consecutive loss. The game started with Kreider opening the scoring. Sourdif responded quickly, tying the score and then scoring two more goals to give Washington a 2-1 lead at the end of the second period. Sourdif continued his outstanding performance, assisting Leonard for the Capitals’ third goal, and then completing his hat trick with an easy goal. Ovechkin also joined the celebration with a powerful shot. Sourdif joins the franchise’s history as the ninth rookie to achieve a hat trick, and his performance was key for the home team to withstand Anaheim’s comeback attempt in the third period.