The Washington Capitals visit the Vegas Golden Knights for Game 74 of their NHL schedule. Washington's postseason hopes are hanging by a thread in the competitive Eastern Conference.

Alex Ovechkin did everything he could to assist the postseason push with his hat trick against the Utah Mammoth, while a Capitals newcomer continues to impress early in his NHL career. An important week for Washington kicks off tonight in Sin City, so here are a few Capitals news and notes to get you ready for another critical contest. The Capitals need standings points out of their nine remaining contests, a tall task given some of the teams on their remaining schedule, such as the Buffalo Sabres or the Columbus Blue Jackets. Washington also has a home-and-home series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 11 and April 12, which could feature the last matchup in the two-decade-long battle between Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. Both games are scheduled for national television broadcasts as the NHL prepares for the possibility that one of the two star players opts not to return to the league after the 2025-26 season.

Ovechkin secured his 34th hat trick in the NHL with his empty-net goal in the third period against Utah in Thursday night's victory. Washington's captain scored the game's final goal with 5.2 seconds remaining on the Delta Center scoreboard. Ovechkin breaks a tie with Brett Hull (33) as he moves into sole possession of fourth place on the NHL all-time list.

Wayne Gretzky collected 50 hat-launching experiences to top the leaderboard, while Mario Lemieux (40) and Mike Bossy (39) are the only other names left to track down for the Capitals leader. It is the second hat trick this season for the 40-year-old winger. Ovechkin recorded three goals in an 8-4 win against the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 20. He became the third player in NHL history with more than one hat trick at age 40 or older, joining Gordie Howe and Johnny Bucyk on a very exclusive list.

The NHL released its EDGE stats for the debut of Cole Hutson against the Ottawa Senators on March 18. Among the notable numbers featured in the league website's article, the Capitals' rookie showed incredible speed: five bursts between 18 and 20 miles per hour with a maximum skating speed of 19.58 mph. Washington already ranked seventh in the NHL in 20-plus mph speed bursts, so injecting more skating ability into the defensive unit is a promising sign for the future of the Capitals' franchise.

Those looking for a long-term projection for the teenage defenseman can look towards his older brother as a potential glimpse of where Cole can reach as he gets older and stronger over the next two or three seasons. Lane ranks among the top 2% of NHL defensemen in 20-plus mph bursts (123) and ranks inside the top 10% of defenders in max skating speed at 22.97 mph for the Montreal Canadiens in 2025-26.

While a big portion of this offseason will be centered around the potential departure of Ovechkin following the season, Hutson's presence has to give a ton of confidence in the direction of the blue line in Washington. Even if the Capitals miss out on the postseason in 2025-26, Washington should be well poised to compete for an invitation to next season's springtime party.