After a landslide win over the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday night, the Washington Capitals are quietly starting to distance themselves from the jam-packed Metropolitan Division. Per usual, the Capital leading the way was Alexander Ovechkin,  his outrageous scoring touch was on display as he tallied three goals in the 6-2 victory. 

Personally for Ovechkin, he distanced himself in two different statistical categories Tuesday night; to begin with, he recorded his 23rd, 24th, and 25th goals of the season, putting him four goals ahead of Brayden Point for the league lead.  Secondly, Ovi recorded his 21st career hat trick. He was already currently leading all active players in career hat tricks, but now adding one more to his name gives him seven more than the second player on the list, Eric Staal with 14 .  Ovechkin is now tied for 12th all time in career hat tricks and is the only player to start his playing career in the 21st century within the top 40 all time on the list.

With tonight’s unbelievable performance from the Great 8, he is now on a 12 game point streak, that doesn’t seem to be coming to an end any time soon. He is also on pace for 68 goals this season, which would top his career-high of 65 goals in the 2007-08 season. 

30 games in, the Capitals find themselves sitting atop the Metro Division with 39 points. As of Tuesday night, they have five point lead over the second place, Columbus Blue Jackets, who have been struggling immensely lately. If the Ovechkin led Capitals continue the way they are playing right now, fans should expect to see the Caps make another deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this upcoming spring.