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Ovechkin looks to add to impressive numbers

Mar 5, 2008 - 1:19 PM Washington (31-28-8) at Buffalo (32-26-9) 7:30 pm EST

BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) - If Alex Ovechkin keeps playing the way he is, the All-Star right wing might just carry the Washington Capitals to the postseason.

After notching a natural hat trick in the first period of his last game, Ovechkin will try to lead the Capitals to win against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.

Ovechkin became the first player to score 50 goals this season when he recorded a hat trick in Monday's 10-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.

Entering one shy of the 50-goal mark, Ovechkin took an outlet pass from rookie Nicklas Backstrom for a breakaway, deked and lifted a wrist shot over Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas at 6:18 of the first period.

While 50 goals has been a magical number for in the NHL, the 22-year-old Russian superstar didn't seem fazed by his accomplishment.

"I think it's not for me," Ovechkin said. "It's all players want to (do is) score 50 goals or something like that because it's very hard to do. You know, it's NHL, and it's hard. Especially when you score 50 goals, you are happy. I'm actually happy, very happy right now."

Ovechkin, who also had two assists, notched his 51st goal just 50 seconds later, converting a one-timer from the slot off another pass from Backstrom. He then completed the hat trick before the opening session ended, netting No. 52 with 4:29 remaining.

Reaching the milestone in just 67 games, Ovechkin is the fastest to 50 goals since Pavel Bure accomplished the feat in 63 contests during the 1999-00 campaign.

Ovechkin also leads the league with 90 points on the season as the Capitals sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, just four points out of the final playoff spot.

The Sabres are coming off a crucial 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, moving within one point of the Flyers for the coveted eighth position in the East.